THE Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), proposed by China in 2013, has today emerged as one of the most ambitious and trans formative development projects in modern history. Spanning across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond, this colossal infrastructure and economic development initiative has had a profound impact on various countries and Pakistan is one of them.
As a young professional working closely with the policymakers in an advisory role in Pakistan and especially in Balochistan, the writer’s journey within this dynamic landscape has been marked by tremendous opportunities and challenges leading to significant professional growth and insights. The BRI has stimulated an array of research topics and demands for analysis, which has provided think tanks in Pakistan with ample opportunities to delve into diverse areas such as international relations, economics, infrastructure development, and geopolitics.
A very strategic plan that has helped this scribe design and execute was establishing strategic partnership between the provinces of Xingjiang and Balochistan in agriculture exchange and research. Balochistan and Xingjiang have a vital position of importance in the CPEC. A connection was established between the Ministry of Agriculture Balochistan and Xingjiang which was successfully executed by the delegation-level visit of Minister Agriculture of Balochistan, Zmark Khan Achakzai and his team to Xingjiang to establish cooperation in the field of agriculture.
Besides, the BRI has brought together an extensive network of stakeholders, including the government officials, diplomats, academics, and business leaders from both China and Pakistan. Participating in the BRI-related events, conferences, and seminars has allowed the writer to establish valuable connections and collaborations with experts from various backgrounds.
These interactions have opened doors to collaborative research projects, knowledge exchange and policy dialogues. August 2019 and the Gwadar business Center when the Gwadar Master plan was to be approved, the writer was in Gwadar with the then Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan and witnessed the process as they were hosting the first highlevel Pakistan China Youth conclave in Gwadar with over 50 young leaders from China and the Chief Minister along with the Cabinet signed the new Gwadar Master Plan in presence of other stakeholders.
The BRI has been at the forefront of Pakistan’s foreign policy agenda, offering numerous opportunities to engage with policymakers and provide evidence-based recommendations. Through participation in the roundtable discussions and policy briefings, the writer has been able to contribute to informed policy decisions, helping shape Pakistan’s stance on BRI-related matters and fostering a deeper understanding of its implications.
The BRI has had a profound impact on Pakistan’s economy and trade dynamics. The development of infrastructure projects under the initiative has boosted trade connectivity and economic growth in the region.
Beyond infrastructure and economic development, the BRI emphasizes cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity. The BRI is not without its geopolitical complexities, and its impact on regional dynamics cannot be understated. Being situated at the crossroads of South Asia, China, and the Middle East, Pakistan occupies a critical geopolitical position in the BRI. The writer has gained valuable insights into the intricate web of geopolitics in the region to analyze power dynamics, security challenges, and the evolving alliances in this strategic landscape. This geopolitical acumen has elevated the quality of analysis and policy recommendations.
Beside, effective communication with the Chinese stakeholders is essential for meaningful collaboration within the BRI framework. Navigating the evolving landscape of the BRI has required adaptability and resilience. The shifting priorities, project timelines, and geopolitical dynamics have demanded quick thinking and the ability to pivot in response to new challenges. While the BRI presents its share of complexities and controversies, its role in shaping the professional growth of think tank professionals in Pakistan cannot be overstated.
—The writer has served as Adviser to Speaker of Balochistan Assembly and is Focal Person to Chief Minister Balochistan on Youth Development and SDGs.
