Chinese modernization is a new era that offers an excellent opportunity for China-Pakistan shared development. We know that Chinese modernization has a long history and journey led by generations of outstanding Chinese leaders.
However, it only accelerated after the Chinese Communist Party implemented its reform and opening-up policy in 1978. During the last 46 years, Chinese modernization has gone through two important stages. For the fourth stage, from 1978 to 2012, though China and Pakistan enjoyed a close relationship in political, diplomatic, and strategic areas, the economic link between the two sub-partners was comparatively loose.
To be frank, Pakistan had not benefited much from Chinese modernization. In 2012, Chinese modernization entered a new era, and Chinese President Xi proposed the BRI in 2013. As the pilot project of BRI, CPEC has experienced a magnificent decade and is bound to kick off another golden decade.
Since BRI’s core philosophy is shared development, Pakistan is benefiting from Chinese modernization in the new era through economic cooperation, especially CPEC. Today, Chinese modernization is still in its developing process, which emphasizes high-quality development, technology innovation, poverty alleviation, and ecological sustainability. At the same time, BRI is entering a new golden decade, and CPEC is still the pilot project for its high-quality development.
Given this background, the ongoing Chinese modernization has the potential to bring significant opportunities for China-Pakistan shared development, mainly in infrastructure development. China’s focus on high-quality infrastructure aligns with Pakistan’s need for improved transportation, energy, and industrial facilities.
Chinese modernization emphasizes eco-friendly infrastructure, which could bring advanced sustainable technology to Pakistan. In terms of industrial and technology cooperation, China’s modernization drives innovations in fields like AI, renewable energy, and manufacturing.
Pakistan could benefit from technology transfer and the establishment of SEZS under CPEC. In addition, cooperation in digital technologies can promote e-commerce and smart city development in Pakistan. Regarding energy cooperation, China’s push for clean energy aligns with Pakistan’s growing energy needs and climate goals. Joint ventures in solar, wind, and hydropower projects could help Pakistan transition to renewable energy sources while addressing power shortages. Investment in energy-efficient technologies can reduce costs and enhance industrial productivity in Pakistan.
When it comes to trade and market expansion, as China modernizes its economy, demand for imports, particularly from regional partners, could increase. Pakistan can benefit from exporting agricultural products, textiles, and minerals to China.
Based in Shanghai, the writer is an academician associated with Fudan University, China.
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