Twelfth Session of the Online Internship Program, “Evolving China in the Modern World” jointly organized by Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad and Communication University of China, Beijing

On 4th December 2020, the twelfth session of the Online internship Program, “Evolving China in the Modern World” was held. This internship program is initiated jointly by the Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad, and the Communication University of China, Beijing.
The theme for the twelfth session was Pakistan-China Economic Relations & CPEC and it was conducted by, Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, Member Advisory Board, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad, and Political Economist.
Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Ramay gave a comprehensive presentation related to the concept. He shared with the participants that China and Pakistan enjoy historic economic ties, that were established even before the cooperation and projects of CPEC were introduced. He highlighted that the first transaction that happened in 1952 worth US$ 86 million, and not only the governments but business-to-business partnerships also existed. He mentioned that major brands from China including, Huawei, Haier, and Zong established their businesses in Pakistan, resulting in strengthened bilateral relations.
Mr. Ramay shared interesting statistics about the trade ratio between China and Pakistan, which has been continuously increasing with each passing year especially after the completion of CPEC projects. Moreover, he shared that not only Pakistan’s economy but also other sectors like agriculture, science & technology, tourism, and infrastructure of Pakistan will be improved.
In the second phase of CPEC, China has agreed to invest $1.2 Billion for the progress in the social developments sector of Pakistan.
Addressing the most asked question, why does Pakistan need CPEC? he highlighted that CPEC will not only benefit Pakistan, but it is equally beneficial for China as well. These projects have helped in overcoming the energy crisis in Pakistan and have contributed to eliminating poverty in Pakistan.
Furthermore, Mr. Ramay pointed out that in the first phase of CPEC, almost 75000 jobs have been created in Pakistan. Even in times of COVID-19, Pakistan and China increased their avenues of cooperation and signed two agreements focusing on the development of agriculture and science and technology.
The session was concluded by Ms. Minahil Shawal Afridi, Research Executive, CGSS. She extended her gratitude to the speakers and participants of the online internship program and stated that this online internship program has proven to be an important step in enhancing Pakistan-China bilateral ties.
The session was moderated by Ms. Palwasha Nawaz, Deputy Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, Communication University of China, Beijing, China, and Project Executive, CGSS. Notably, scholars and students from across Pakistan, China, and Tanzania have enrolled in this internship program to learn more about China.