REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY THROUGH CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC COORIDOR: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is primarily designed to provide connectivity between China and Pakistan. Subsequently, this corridor will integrate other regional countries for a larger regional integration and connectivity. Overall, this connectivity and integration will be beneficial for the economic benefits to create a win-win situation for all regional states. Apart from regional connectivity and integration, domestically it will create a linkage between all provinces including provision of connectivity between developed and underdeveloped regions of Pakistan. Whereas this connectivity enables all regional states to benefit from each other economically, the corridor will enhance stakes for all regional states. With all these prospects, CPEC is facing some serious challenges, posed by geopolitical interests of regional and extra-regional states. Resolving the challenges without creating an alarm and conflicting situation is most needed aspect of CPEC. This research is aimed to analyse three aspects; a) the regional integration and connectivity through CPEC, b) the challenges in the timely and successful completion of CPEC, c) how to overcome the challenges for accruing the maximum benefits of CPEC bilaterally, regionally and domestically within Pakistan.