China-Pakistan projects at risk:report
Political instability, unstable security and external pressure from neighboring countries pose major threats to the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a university report has found.
Renmin University's Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, known as the RDCY, and Caijing Magazine released on Tuesday a joint research report on the corridor, which is a major part of China's Belt and Road Initiative.
Over six months, researchers looked at two flagship projects in the corridor - the free trade zone in Port Gwadar and the Bin Qasim power plant.
RDCY deputy dean Wang Wen said that after two years, the speed and quality of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor's construction had basically met the expectations of both countries.
However, most of the projects in Pakistan had encountered difficulties including water and electricity shortages, policy uncertainties, and local labor issues. Security had also been a constant concern with terrorist attacks threatening the safety of people involved.
Deputy Chief of Mission, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, from the Pakistan Embassy said: "CPEC is one of the major components in the Belt and Road Initiative. China and Pakistan are working together to make it a success so it will benefit the people of the two countries."