RDI Delegation Visits PCI

Source : PCI Date : 03-06-2015

The delegation from Research & Development International, led by the Chair, Dr. Zhao Baige, visited its Pakistan Secretariat at Pakistan-China Institute, Islamabad. Senator Mushahid Hussain, Co-Chair of RDI, welcomed the delegation that comprised of Mayor of Karamay City Ms. Hongyan Zhang, CEO YEMA Group Mr. Chen Gang, and professors and officials from the China Academy of Social Sciences. Also present on the occasion were RDI members from Pakistan, including Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Chairman of the Pakistan Red Cross Dr. Saeed Elahi, Chairman Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company Mr. Khurshid Anwar Jamali, Deputy Director Board of Investments Mr. Bilal Khokhar and Chairman Kolachi Energy Research Institute Mr. Arshad Abbasi.

The meeting chaired by Senator Hussain and Madam Zhao was the first formal meeting that took place after the joint think was established at the Haiku Conference in April 2015. The co-chairs briefly introduced their accompanying delegations and opened the floor for discussion.

While delineating the purpose of establishing RDI, Dr. Zhao laid great stress on the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and welcomed PCI’s initiative of establishing the ‘information corridor’ to supplement the mega project. The envisioned information corridor would function as a one-window hub for gaining pertinent news and updates regarding crucial developments on the projects, its maps and photos, progress along the designated routes and employment and business opportunities along the economic corridor. Dr. Zhao proposed to discuss the initiative in detail and formulate an effective plan for its execution. She also opined that along with the economic aspect, the social and cultural aspects from places on the route should be brought to the limelight.

In addition to that she also presented a four-pronged strategy before RDI’s working group where she suggested to publish a comprehensive report, for the governments of both countries, on the Haiku Conference to outline the implementation details of the think tank and highlight financial reforms and areas of investment that could benefit Pakistan’s economy in particular and its population in general. “We love Pakistan,” she said, “And we want to ensure that the average Pakistani reaps the benefit from this development.” Underlining the importance of financial institutions, she also advocated that RDI should consider joining the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as well as the New Development Bank (formerly known as the BRICS Bank). Madam Zhao also said that the forum should be more vocal on issues facing the execution of CPEC, including the menace of militancy and terrorism as well as disaster management, human security and other environmental concerns. Reflecting on the operational aspects of the project, she was of the view that Pakistan could learn great lessons from Karamay City; a city much like Gwadar, which made tremendous progress, not only in terms of infrastructure development but also in terms of human development. The Mayor of Karamay City extended an invitation to all the participants of the meeting to attend a forum in her city on 9th August 2015.

Senator Mushahid with Mayor of Karamay City

Addressing queries laid out by the delegation, Senator Mushahid Hussain outlined the significance of China’s changing stance over Afghanistan and how the country’s engagement there would help to bring about regional peace and stability. He further added that along the economic corridor, it is pertinent to promote connectivity through cultural initiatives. “Establishing people-to-people relations is essential to ensure smooth development in the area,” he added.

Senator Saleem Mandviwala brought the working’s group attention towards establishing formal standards to scrutinize the participating companies and organizations. “Failure is not an option,” he said, as he pitched his concerns before the delegation members.

Mr. Naveed Elahi, Head of Peace and Security Studies Center at Punjab University briefed the meeting about the key security threats and issues currently prevailing in relation to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He discussed, at length, the enormity of these threats; however, he was of the view that under the chairmanship of Senator Mushahid Hussain and Madam Zhao, RDI would be able to propose measures to counter these threats and ensure progress on the multi billion investment projects along the economic corridor.

Besides that, Dr. Saeed Elahi focused on describing the efforts being undertaken to design polices to safeguard the people from environmental hazards and humanitarian crisis.

While summarizing the meeting, the working group agreed to focus on devising a plan for ensuring the security of the corridor and the Chinese workers in the area. The members also agreed to chart out a detailed operational strategy for RDI and highlight significant areas for research and development and an effective implementation policy.