Since 1959, Pakistan-China relationship has evolved into a comprehensive alliance, and both countries are walking side by side in all hot and cold such as regional conflicts, economic ups and downs, geopolitical realities, and global transitions. To keep pace with shared future vision and cope with the challenges, for instance energy crisis, poverty, climate change, food security and digital inequalities Pak-China relationship from BRI and CPEC gearing up to next logical chapter through Global Development Initiative (GDI), 2021. Sustainable efforts are required in all areas to meet set targets of GDI for a shared future.
GDI is the way to unlock the potential of Pakistan
Completing the platinum jubilee of mutual trust, shared development aspirations, partnerships and collaborations, and economic transformations, Pakistan and China are expanding their legacy through Global Development Initiative to meet economic and social challenges. GDI is an integrated development plan which is based on shared experiences and people centred approach. The Core aim of GDI is to share knowledge, develop capacity and create opportunities in eight key areas, including industrialization, green development, poverty reduction, digital economy, development finance, public health, connectivity, and food security. Moreover, GDI is leading a new chapter for climate resilience, digital innovation, High-Tech agriculture, skills development, and academic exchange to shape a sustainable future.
CPEC + GDI= Sustainable Development
Pakistan-China relationships were strengthened due to CPEC, which accelerated economic foundation of Pakistan through infrastructure, including Gwadar port development, roads, railways, industrial zones, and energy projects; furthermore, it uplifted Pakistan’s image at the international level. Now Global Development initiative is complementing CPEC projects, and serving as phase II of development cooperation, focusing on productivity, well-being and capability. GDI is serving as a holistic model based on seven decades of cooperation and trust to enrich human capital, including communities, youth and entrepreneurs.
Lifting Lives: Farming for a Brighter Future
Since conception of Pakistan, poverty alleviation has been a recurring concern, and majority of the population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. Hence, China aided Pakistan through hybrid seeds, High-Tech greenhouses, drip irrigation, rural entrepreneurship, and agricultural labs to upgrade farmers and reduce poverty. The Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, is sending agricultural graduates to China for vocational training to learn modern farming techniques. Young agricultural graduates who have returned to Pakistan will uplift local communities, which will ultimately transform future of rural population in particular and Pakistan in general. Ultimate goal of this will transform life through reduction of multidimensional poverty, promotion of small enterprises and rural industries which will provide income generation opportunities, and alleviation of social protective system.
Going Green & Saving Lives
Environmental vulnerability through devastating floods, droughts, and extreme monsoon have hit Pakistan hard; and through Global Development Initiative China is supporting Pakistan for green development. Hydro initiatives in north, wind and solar initiatives in Punjab and Sindh, electric vehicles, climate resilient agriculture, reforestation projects, watershed management and green energy initiatives for institutions, industries and houses are transforming Pakistan. GDI is the backbone of Pakistan for a green and sustainable future aimed at developing resilient urban planning having infrastructure that can withstand climate shocks, capacity to manage disaster shocks, and reduce climate related damage upto 25% over the decade.
Digital Pakistan: Bridging the Gap
Pakistan and China’s diplomatic relationship, later strengthened through infrastructure, and now tied by digital transformation. GDI is closely aligned with the digital aspirations of Pakistan to compete globally. E-commerce platforms, data centres, 4G/5G networks, cloud technology, fiber connectivity, online education, cybersecurity cooperation, financial technology (Fintech), AI, and telehealth are key indicators that Pakistan is building its digital highways under GDI. Hence, Pakistan is leading toward knowledge-based economy to join global digital party.
Empowering Minds: Enriching Life
To develop human capital, scholarships, exchange programs, teacher training and research collaborations are prioritized for skill development. The limelight of this indicator is that an increase in tertiary education is targeted at 15-25%. Social inclusion, women’s participation, social cohesion, community-led projects, and equality are aimed at improving the living standards of the local community.
The Bumpy Road Ahead: Seizing the GDI Opportunity
It’s a groundbreaking opportunity for Pakistan to become an effective planning partner, a committed implementer, and a shared future builder. Strategic policies, national ownership, sustainability, and discipline to achieve all milestones of GDI; hence, debt responsibilities and political instability are major challenges in the Pakistani context to be addressed. Sustainability of GDI depends upon transparency without financial mismanagement, private investments, planning institutions with a clear vision aligned with GDI vision, policies to attract foreign investors, huge investments in education, health and youth, which is the actual future. Due to less economic diversification and less skilled labour poverty ratio is very high in underdeveloped and rural areas. Lack of training, latest machinery access and usability, farmers are unable to adopt modern farming methods. Less disaster preparedness and minimal investment in climate-resistant infrastructure make situation alarming. Major reliance on fossil fuels and the slow pace of renewable energy development is due to policy bottlenecks, which are raising concerns about meeting targets. Insufficient academia-industry linkage, outdated curricula which is a mismatch with the market needs, and inadequate vocational training are the main causes of professional inefficiency.
Winning Formula of Global Development Initiative
Diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China have gained momentum through progress, prosperity and shared success. GDI is a people-centred approach that empowers communities & youth, fosters innovation, promotes environmental sustainability, and reduces poverty. To unlock the potential of Pakistani nation, skillset development, mega investments in education, and social inclusion are the key and career opportunities, scholarships, and research collaborations can pave the way toward economic growth through a skilled workforce. Future of GDI will be decided by community engagement, leverage of technology, good governance, provincial inclusion, regional cooperation, and public-private partnership; hence structured institutional framework along with monitoring and evaluation policies is needed for sustainable growth. Collectively, transparency, accountability and financial management through good governance for education, health and human resources to reduce poverty, inequalities and environmental degradation.
