CPEC and Gilgit-Baltistan: Local Industrial Production and International Trade Market Dynamism

Abstract

CPEC is a flagship project under BRI initiated by China in 2013. The aim of this project is to improve the infrastructure within Pakistan for better trade with China and further integrate the countries of the region. Recline in extreme Northern side connected with Pakistan and China borders with unique socio-cultural and economic composition, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) emerged as an integral component for developing CPEC infrastructure. The government of Pakistan signifies this project as game-changer. No doubt it is. However, there is need to link local industry with international trade centers under SEZs initiatives in GB context, which is missing at the policy level until now for enhancing it into game-changer. Furthermore, these initiatives are also linked with developing skill development Program, promotion of education and the expansion of tourism in the region by articulating liberal socio-political and security measures. The local population is also not properly aware about CPEC related investments, businesses and opportunities. This paper is an attempt to realize the importance of local industry of Gilgit-Baltistan and expand it in an appropriate way under certain policy measures. Hence, by adjoining international trade markets with local industrial input under CEPC, this research will establish a compact understanding for successful leverage of CPEC.