Online International Conference on, “BRI & Regional Connectivity” organized by Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad

On 19th October 2020, the Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad organized an Online International Conference on, “BRI & Regional Connectivity”. The aim of the conference was to get familiarized with the significance of the Belt and Road Initiative and how it contributes to the member states and to better understand the changing economic dynamics at the regional and intra-regional level. The conference was commenced with the opening remarks of Major General Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery, HI(M), (Retd), President CGSS who welcomed the participants of the session and briefly discussed that China’s leader took the world by surprise when he put forward the Belt and Road initiative, despite various challenges BRI is progressing well under the visionary leadership of President Xi. He mentioned that the connectivity regional, as well as global, will be given a boost with the help of BRI projects. Mr. Tolga Sakman Chairman, Center for Diplomatic Affairs & Political Studies, Istanbul, Turkey shared his views on, Turkey Middle Corridor and BRI”. He highlighted that Turkey has been taking steps to revitalize the silk road through various projects. Turkey has also been active in strengthening ties with the Turkic republics if Central Asia we are also reaching out to the Asian markets and the Asian region to increase the trade relations of Turkey and China in more fast, effective, and cheaper ways. Mr. Sakman also emphasized that China has now become Turkey’s second-largest trading partner and also the largest import partner. The trade volume between China and Turkey has been increasing effectively. He further discussed that BRI has increased the transportation opportunities and removed obstacles resulting in an increased sense of regional Cooperation that is a contributing factor in establishing cordial relationships between the member countries of BRI. H.E Mohamed Saeed, Parliament Member, People's Majlis, Republic of Maldives and Member Of National Security & Foreign Relations Committee, Maldives discussed Maldives Strategic Importance for BRI projects and stated that the Belt and Road initiative is not only important for the region but also for the entire world in their capacities. We have observed through the BRI projects that connectivity is one of the most important aspects of these projects. The Maldives is strategically very important as it is a country that is scattered across the Indian ocean. He stressed that the islands may be small but the Maldives must be seen as a big ocean state covering an exclusive economic zone that is stretched across a significant area. He further discussed the infrastructure development, trade opportunities, and the accessible visa policy for the member states of BRI projects and stated that the vision of a shared future for mankind can be practically implemented through the Belt and Road initiative. Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan, CPEC and BRI Expert and Member Board of Experts, CGSS discussed CPEC as the flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative and highlighted its positive impact on various sectors of Pakistan. He stated that CPEC is an ideal platform to achieve the desired results of increased foreign investments and to enhance Pakistans competitiveness in the global arena. He specifically mentioned that through CPEC Projects, Pakistan will see a boost in the increased job opportunities for the youth. Ms. Ying Fang, Professor, School of Economics & Management, Communication University of China, Beijing gave a comprehensive presentation on China’s Cultural Trade features and efficiency with Countries Along with the One Belt One Road Initiative. She specifically highlighted that civilization is colorful because of communication, and civilization is enriched by mutual learning. Cultural exchange is a bridge connecting people’s hearts and minds and plays an irreplaceable role in international communication. She also discussed Chinas General Plan of Cultivating Cultural Products and Services Going Global that aims to engage in international communication to present a true, multidimensional, and panoramic view of China. Dr. Marat Terterov, International Energy Relations Expert, Brussels, Belgium discussed the European Union and Belt and Road Initiatives compatible interests. He focused on the collective interests and presented the three perspectives on the topic and stated that the European Union has always supported and has done efforts to recreate the trade routes along the old silk road. He stated that one of the main aims of the European Union is to focus on regional integration and binding interstate agreements, and that is exactly what we wish to achieve through Belt and Road initiative as well. He stated that what China has been doing is a major game-changer for the region and in terms of compatibility we endorse the perspective of China and its idea of regional and global connectivity. Dr. Nadeem Ahmed Ch, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Sialkot, discussed the Significance of connectivity and BRI for the Educational Sector. He highlighted the areas of cooperation between the universities of Pakistan and China for enhanced cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. He further emphasized the long term significance of BRI for the entire region and emphasized on the important role of the Education Action Plan for the Belt and Road Initiative, (2016) by the Ministry of Education, China that promotes closer people to people ties, cultivating supporting talent, and to achieve common development to enhance the quality of education. The webinar was moderated by Ms. Palwasha Nawaz, Project Executive, CGSS, and was attended by 50 participants including regional analysts and students of International relations.