The CPEC, i.e., the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, has been one of the most crucial steps taken by the Pakistan Government for the economic growth and development of the country. This mutually beneficial agreement has favored both countries in multiple ways and has strengthened the relationship between the two neighbors. Being a multibillion-dollar infrastructure project, CPEC has taken development in both countries to unparalleled peaks. Intended to promote the development of road networks, railways, and pipelines, as well as energy, industrial, and other infrastructure projects, CPEC can solve the urgent energy crisis of Pakistan. For Pakistan, the development of the CPEC Is directly proportional to the development of infrastructure. If you do not know much about CPEC and how it will affect tourism in Pakistan, keep reading:
What Is CPEC?
Primarily, CPEC is a large-scale initiative for energy, highway, and port infrastructure development. It is intended to strengthen economic relationships between China and Pakistan. This idea has been well-received in both countries. China and Pakistan regard the CPEC as a potential source of strength for their respective development strategies. It will help the two countries to benefit from their close political cooperation and convert it into multifaceted economic cooperation for win-win outcomes. However, several security measures and political challenges must be addressed in Pakistan first for the economic corridor to reach its potential.
The project was first proposed by China in May 2013. After that, President Xi Jinping visited Pakistan in April 2015. It was agreed upon by sides to elevate their relationship to an “all-weather strategic partnership.” Fifty-one agreements were signed during Xi’s visit, at an estimated value of $46 billion.
Role of CPEC In Improving Pakistan’s Tourism:
Tourism in the north:
Pakistan has many tourist attractions like Swat, Naran, Kaghan, Muree, and other parts rich in natural beauty. These places are full of picturesque landscapes and astounding sceneries. With more development in railway and road infrastructure, it will benefit trade and other factors such as employment, tourism, rural development, and rural-urban connectivity in these areas.
Aside from the benefits mentioned above, tourism, one of the essential industries in Pakistan, will gain a significant boost due to the CPEC. Pakistan being home to some of the world’s tallest mountains and glaciers, lakes, and valleys, has always been the center of tourist attraction. Along with all this, Pakistan has more than 50 more peaks above 7,000 meters and contains five summits above 8,000 meters. It’s unfortunate that due to security and several other issues, tourists show reluctance to visit. As soon as the CPEC starts operating, mountaineers and climbers from around the globe will swarm to Pakistan.
Tourism in Balochistan:
For the flourishment of tourism in Balochistan, seven tourist resorts are being built with Rs 1 billion. Balochistan Government is also building ten rest areas and the coastal highway to facilitate and attract tourists from around Balochistan. As an attraction for anglers and tourists, eight floating Jetties are also being built. In addition to this, five beach parks worth 250 million are also under construction. The green boat project undertaken for Rs 500 Million will also become a major attraction for tourists. Several other initiatives, such as the plantation of mangrove, Salicornia, and coconut, will also increase the beauty and transform the looks and ecosystem of Balochistan’s coastal belt. All this will ultimately result in increasing tourism and increasing Pakistani GDP.
How Will It improve Pakistan’s GDP:
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Pakistan’s financial news, 5.9% of Pakistan’s GDP was contributed by the tourism industry in 2019, producing 3.9 million employment opportunities. According to some experts, if Pakistan can expand its tourist industry to the level of China’s, its contribution rate will reach 11 percent, with additional 2.37 million jobs opportunities.
Conclusion:
With all that being said, let’s hope that the CPEC continues to initiate its plans for the better of both nations. For more, visit Pakistan Observer. We provide our readers with the daily Pakistan news. We pride ourselves on our ge nuine and on-time news reporting. So keep reading the Pakistan Observer newspaper for the latest news and information about all the current
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