A national-level cohesive strategy is essential to align Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with Trade and Transit Infrastructure (TTI) corridors, enhancing their effectiveness as trade catalysts and avoiding high failure rates seen globally. This was stated by Amer Zafar Durrani, President of Reenergia, a social impact advisory group in Pakistan. Presenting a report at a seminar on “CPEC-centric Investment Opportunities in Pakistan’s Trade and Transit Infrastructure” he said, Gwadar’s emergence as an alternative port is significant, with the N-10 Coastal Highway becoming a direct route, linking Karachi through the coastal belt of Baluchistan to Gwadar. Durrani said, “The M9 Karachi-Hyderabad highway has further streamlined activity in Sindh. The road network emanating from Karachi is central to the country’s trade dynamics. Major routes like M1, M2 N5, N25, and the N10 Coastal Highway connect Karachi to various regions, facilitating the transportation of goods.” Hassan Daud Butt, former CEO KPK Board of Investment and Trade, highlighted the importance of trade and transit infrastructure that Pakistan needs.

He said the report made by Reenergia was about roads, ports railways as well as the border crossing for which Pakistan has to invest effort and perhaps attract investment from not only China but other potential investors. “For this, Public-Private Partnership and a strong ease of doing business environment are required for which the role of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) will be important,” he said. Pakistan has been taking steps to become a trade, transit, and transshipment hub in the region. CPEC has been a significant contributor to this effort, with nearly 50 projects worth $25 billion completed so far. These projects include the construction of modern highways, seaports, airports, and rapid mass transport systems, which have improved Pakistan’s transport network, connected cities and remote areas, improved accessibility, and facilitated the movement of goods and people across the country, Gwadar Pro reported on Tuesday.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)