Regional Integration through CPEC: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Regional connectivity is considered as an effective source of regional and international
integration. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is going to be such an
effective source to extensively attract regional and international attention. Pakistan
has been confronting economic challenges ever since its independence and facing the
issues of fragile economy which is one of the major causes of other socio-political issues
as well. For instance, one of the key outcomes of poverty is the phenomena of terrorism
and intolerance in the society. Therefore, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
will be an important step to change the destiny of developing countries like Pakistan
and other states of the region in different sectors in general and in poverty elevation in
particular. Now the question arises how CPEC is an effective attempt to address the
issues of socio-economic development and how this project can play its role to provide
foundation for regional and international integration? This study is based on liberalist
perspective and focuses on diverse approaches, methods and plans related to economic
development and will be a source of solid socio-economic growth of Pakistan.