Pakistan’s CPEC liabilities will peak to $3.3-4.5 billion annually by 2025

LAHORE: The 10^th Annual report on state of Pakistan’s economy entitled “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Review and Analysis” says the country’s CPEC debt liabilities would peak to around $3.3-4.5 billion annually by 2025.

This report was prepared by Shahid Javed Burki of Institute of Public Policy at Netsol, reported an English daily.

The report suggested the government should contemplate the setting up of a particular CPEC unit within the purview of Council of Common Interests for management of CPEC with efficiency and honesty.

It proposed for improvements in revenue performance at both provincial and national levels. Also, it said to decrease public-sector enterprises losses and improve trade competitiveness of Pakistan.

It highlighted the key was in planning and usage of funds correctly under CPEC was critical and guarantee investments under it would contribute to actual benefits which would help in dealing with future liabilities.

Furthermore, the report emphasized on Afghanistan’s inclusion into CPEC would immensely boost the benefits of this corridor and contribute to decrease in regional conflicts. Also, it called for revamping the trade transit facilities at China-Pakistan border.

Also, it stressed special efforts should be undertaken to fasten construction of CPEC’s western route and administer the coming investment essential for the economic uplift of these backward regions, considering the local comparative and competitive advantages.