Speakers at an international conference have stressed the need to align infrastructure expansion with regional connectivity, long-term economic planning and food security.

They said CPEC should be advanced as a people-centric and agriculture-friendly initiative.

This they said while addressing a two-day international conference on “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Achievements, Challenges and Way Forward”. The conference started at the main auditorium of Benazir Bhutto Convention Center on Wednesday was organized by Sindh University’s Area Study Centre in collaboration with the Centre for International Strategic Studies Sindh and is sponsored by the Sindh Higher Education Commission, Karachi.

Sindh University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Fateh Muhammad Marri chaired the inaugural ceremony, while President of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Sindh and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Nisar Ahmed Khuhro participated as the chief guest.

Addressing the opening ceremony, SU VC Dr Marri said that CPEC was not just a set of road connections and energy projects, but it was a transformative structure equipped with strengthening Pakistan’s economic resilience and food system.

“Improved road infrastructure under CPEC has reduced transportation costs and enabled farmers to access larger markets and minimize their losses”, he said and added that Pakistan ought to now concentrate on the second phase of CPEC, particularly upon technology transfer, agricultural cooperation and the establishment of agro-processing zones.

“Food security is no longer just a rural issue but has become a vital component of national security”, he said and added that population growth, water scarcity and climate change posed serious threats to sustainable food production.

“Cooperation with China in mechanized farming, seed development and modern irrigation techniques can significantly enhance agricultural productivity”, Dr Marri said and proposed to expand research partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese varsities to address issues such as value chain development, arid zones and water management.

“Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can serve as hubs for food processing and export-oriented agriculture”, Dr Marri said and added that policy continuity, transparency and provincial coordination were vital to entirely take in the benefits of CPEC.

PPP Sindh President and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Nisar Khuhro called for the inclusion of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) in CPEC and said that it would improve urban transportation and boost economic activity.

“The previous government had sidelined the multi-billion-dollar CPEC project, which caused damage to the national economy”, he said and added that delays in development projects not only affected infrastructure but also reduced employment opportunities and investor confidence.

He alleged that forces opposing development and CPEC wanted to deprive the people of progress and prosperity. Khuhro said those attacking CPEC and national growth aimed to keep the public economically weak and added that sustainable development was vital for national stability.

He expressed concern over the delay in the construction of the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway and said the federal government had yet to start work on the project. “It is a sign of inefficiency”, he said. He urged the federal authorities to expedite major infrastructure projects including Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway.

“Sindh’s survival hinges on water, any attempt to construct new canals on the River Indus would be strongly resisted like that of the recent past by the people of the province”, he said.

“Our agriculture is the backbone of the province’s economy, water shortages would lead to devastation”, he clarified.

“Federal policies have led to multiple crises across the country, including Sindh and that today Pakistan is facing shortages of almost everything”, he said. The PPP leader compared Pakistan with China and said that despite having a population of 1.5 billion, there were no reports of flour shortages in China, whereas controlling flour crises had become a challenge for Pakistan’s rulers.

Khuhro said that his country needed better planning and governance to steer it out of crises. He pointed out that although Pakistan imported rice, sugar and other commodities from China, it had failed to learn from China’s agricultural reforms. He highlighted the need to strengthen the agricultural sector through modern technology and reforms.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi speaking via Zoom said that CPEC had entered a new phase of high-quality development, innovation and sustainability. “Agricultural innovation is a key pillar of future cooperation between the two countries, including seed technology and livestock development”, he said.

“Increased agricultural productivity would ensure food security while enhancing rural incomes and exports”, Khuhro said. He emphasized the need to learn from China’s poverty alleviation and rural revitalization experience.

The PPP leader said that Gwadar Port and improved logistics would play a vital role in boosting agricultural exports.

Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Sargodha Prof Dr Tahir Mumtaz Awan said educational and cultural cooperation formed the foundation of sustainable relations. He went on to say that Pakistan might benefit from collaborative research in agriculture, water management and renewable energy.

Advisor to the Strategic Plan Division and former ambassador Zameer Akram claimed that CPEC had improved Pakistan's economic and regional stature. He emphasized the significance of incorporating food security into national planning and stated that Pakistan remained dedicated to the project's long-term ambition despite obstacles.

Area Study Centre Director Dr Naureen Munaf and Dr Majid Ali Noonari also spoke on the occasion.

The conference will continue today (February 12).