ISLAMABAD: Developing the culture of systematic research will help Pakistan to get maximum benefits from the special economic zones being set up in the country under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
An expert told WealthPK that the special economic zones (SEZs) being established under the second phase of CPEC had immense potential to strengthen national economy. “A comprehensive research and data analysis in this regard will bring an exponential benefit for Pakistan’s economy,” he added.
Pakistan needs to strengthen mutual exchange progarmmes with Chinese institutions to improve research in different fields, particularly in the agriculture sector. The agriculture sector has special importance in the second phase of CPEC.
Being one of the vulnerable countries to climate change, Pakistan needs to adopt climate-smart agricultural techniques as the challenges posed by climate change have not only gravely affected the yield and quality of crops, but also created numerous problems for farmers.
With the increase in value addition processing in the agriculture sector, Pakistan will not only be able to manufacture products in accordance with the international standards but will also increase the national exchange rate through export of these items. Improvement in research in social sciences can help the government to devise appropriate policies for a better economic and social future of the country.
In an exclusive interview with WealthPK, Dr Nadeemul Haq, the vice-chancellor of Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), said that huge investment in CPEC by China opened new avenues of development for Pakistan.
“Developing a culture of research for CPEC projects, especially for SEZs, is inevitable because the government must have a clear idea about the allocation of resources to the sectors inclining to a high rate of return. The benefits of the projects can be availed with the help of comprehensive research. We have been actively engaged in research on CPEC in PIDE, but the process and engagement with the Chinese side has been delayed due to Covid-19,” he said.
Dr Nadeem said that China has made tremendous progress in the field of agriculture over the last few years. It led to a significant increase in its agricultural production. “Research reveals facts about the potential areas for investment. The SEZs need an extensive research. Under CPEC’s Agriculture Cooperation Center, revival of agriculture sector and food security in Pakistan can be ensured by bringing innovation in farming. Research helps manufacturing units and goods and services providing companies to determine their capacity, weaknesses and potential to deliver,” he added.
He said that SEZs could become a source of strengthening Pakistan’s economy if proper research was conducted in that regard more rapidly. China is introducing latest agricultural technologies, machinery and modern varieties of crops in Pakistan under CPEC. There is a need to formulate a research policy to enhance people-to-people exchange, export Pakistani agricultural products to China and promote agricultural and industrial cooperation between the two countries
