Venue: Lincoln Corner, National Library Islamabad.
Overview:
An infrastructure development plan inked with Pakistan in 2013, China has pledged $60 billion to build what’s known as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—a network of roads, pipelines, power plants, industrial parks, and a port along the Arabian sea. Intended to increase regional connectivity and trade between the two countries, CPEC is part of Beijing’s trillion-dollar Belt & Road Initiative (BRI). BRI aims to create land and maritime trade routes integrating 70-odd countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Since it connects the country with other states and China is investing in Pakistan’s power plants and technology, it creates an opportunity for young minds of Pakistan to equip themselves with relevant skill set to find an opportunity to grow. The program had already generated 75,000 jobs for Pakistanis. The Karachi-based Applied Economics Research Center and Pakistan’s Planning Commission say that in the next 15 years, 700,000 to 800,000 jobs may be created under CPEC, largely in the infrastructure, energy, and transportation sectors. Youth Economic Forum is organizing a roundtable to discuss these opportunities with young minds and set a way forward for their personal and professional growth.