On behalf of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Secretariat, Dr. Nadeem Javaid (first right), chief economist of Pakistan and head of the secretariat, and Dr. Zia (second right) receive the Development Leadership Award, presented by Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary (middle), then Pakistani minister of planning, development and special initiatives, during Pakistan's 75th anniversary celebration event in Islamabad, Pakistan, August 8, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Dr. Zia]

Anniversaries are an occasion to reflect on where and how one has come along and to chart out future goals and courses of action. The same is true for the Pakistan-China relationship, as the two countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a strategic principal component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Pakistan is one of the earliest supporters and participants of this initiative.

The BRI, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, is a vast infrastructure and economic development project that spans across Asia, Europe, Africa and beyond. It aims to enhance connectivity and promote economic cooperation among participating countries and has the potential to significantly impact global development.

The CPEC is a flagship project under the framework of the BRI. It has improved regional connectivity by providing China with a shorter and more efficient route to the Arabian Sea, bypassing the Strait of Malacca, and has brought benefits to other countries in the region through trade and economic opportunities.