Home »Top Stories » Western media reports rejected: CPEC is a flagship project of OBOR initiative: government

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  • Oct 12th, 2018
  • Comments Off on Western media reports rejected: CPEC is a flagship project of OBOR initiative: government
The Western media reports regarding China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are based on incorrect information, distorted facts and one-sided opinions of individuals. It is hereby clarified that the CPEC is a flagship and most active project of belt and road initiative where 22 projects of worth $ 28 billion have been actualized over the past 04 years.

The project could not be compared with Chinese overseas investment in Sri Lanka or Malaysia as frameworks and financial modes of the CPEC are altogether different in nature, said a press release issued here Thursday.

The CPEC finances are divided in government to government loans, investment and grants. Infrastructure sector is being developed through interest-free or government concessional loans. Gwadar Port is grant-based or investment which means the government of Pakistan does not have to pay back the invested amount for the development of the port. Energy projects are being executed under Independent Power Producers (IPPs) mode and finances are mainly taken by the private companies from China Development Bank and China Exim Bank against their own balance sheets, therefore, any debt would be borne by the Chinese investors instead of any obligation on part of the Pakistani government.

Pakistan has opted for Chinese investment under the CPEC due to the favourable financing arrangements. China stepped forward to support Pakistan''s development at a time when foreign investment had dried up, and economic activities were being crippled by energy shortages and infrastructure gaps.

The CPEC is not imposing any immediate burden with respect to loans repayment and energy sector outflows. The CPEC outflows would start from the year 2021 and spread over 20 to 25 years with a maximum in the year 2024 and 2025. The resultant benefits of these investments to the Pakistan economy would far outweigh these outflows.

The CPEC has provided enormous opportunities for Pakistan to grow economically. It is an engine of economic growth and is expected to increase Pakistan''s GDP growth by 2 percent to 3 percent. The CPEC has also facilitated in overcoming crucial energy, transport infrastructure and supply chain bottlenecks. Under the CPEC, development of Gwadar would ensure strengthening of maritime sector particularly the coastal tourism and local fishery industry thereby benefiting the local communities. Pakistan has repeatedly stated that it is fully committed to the CPEC, which enjoys complete consensus among all institutions and political forces in Pakistan. It is a key to the future of Pakistan''s socio-economic development.

Within the broad parameters of the already approved the CPEC framework, the present government, with mutual consultation of Govt. of China is broadening the base and expedite pace of the CPEC. A mechanism is being developed to include third party participation in the CPEC. Socio-economic development and poverty alleviation are being included in the CPEC and a separate working group is being established to fast track this dimension of the mega project. Gwadar continues as prioritized and being developed as standalone project and a transshipment hub based on blue economy principles. Industrialization under the CPEC has already been fast-tracked and 04 SEZs would hit the ground soon.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2018


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