The ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

The ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a development megaproject which aims to

connect Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan to Chinas northwestern region of Xinjiang, via a
network of highways, railways and pipelines to transport oil and gas. The economic corridor is
considered

central

to ChinaPakistan

relations and

will

run

about

3,000 km

from Gwadar to Kashgar.

CPEC is a developmental project signed between China and Pakistan. It will run from
Gwadar to Kashgar for about 3000 km. Considering it to be the biggest overseas
investment by China announced yet, the project is expected to result in better economic
and developmental relations between the two countries.
The Corridor is an extension of Chinas proposed 21st century Silk Road initiative. According to
a report, "This is the biggest overseas investment by China announced yet and the corridor is
expected to be operational within three years and will be a strategic game changer in the region,
which would go a long way in making Pakistan a richer and stronger entity than ever before".
Other than transport infrastructure, the economic corridor will provide Pakistan with
telecommunications and energy infrastructure. The project also aims to improve intelligence
sharing between the countries.
China and Pakistan hope the massive investment plan will transform Pakistan into a regional
economic hub as well as further boost the growing ties between Pakistan and China. The
Pakistani media and government called the investments a "game and fate changer" for the region.
According to the media, this grand developmental project will transform Pakistan into a
major economical hub. Beside the transport setup, the economic corridor will also work to
improve the telecommunication and the intelligence setups between the two countries.
According to The Guardian, "The Chinese are not just offering to build much-needed
infrastructure but also make Pakistan a key partner in its grand economic and strategic
ambitions." The project will also open trade routes for Western China and provide China direct
access to the resource-rich Middle East region via the Arabian Sea, bypassing longer logistical
routes currently through the Strait of Malacca.
During the state visit of President of China Xi Jinping to Pakistan in April 2015, he wrote in an
open editorial that "This will be my first trip to Pakistan, but I feel as if I am going to visit the
home of my own brother." During his visit, Islamabad was dotted with slogans and signboards
such as "Pakistan-China friendship is higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans, sweeter
than honey, and stronger than steel.