Corridor of prosperity

This refers to the news report, ‘CPEC to make Pakistan pivot of regional prosperity: Expert’ (Dec 15). In order to make the CPEC projects profitable, the country should make efforts to enhance exports by 15 percent by 2020-21. This is not a difficult target and can be achieved by incorporating quality, innovation and maximising productivity. It is the responsibility of the federal government to ensure that the required energy in the form of electricity and gas remain unhindered. There is a dire need to focus on the training of the youth both qualified and semi-skilled so that optimum results can be achieved. There is also a need to promote R&D culture in which, unfortunately, Pakistan is lagging behind.

The education budget must be at least 5 percent of the GDP so that R&D activities can be boosted. A zero-tolerance strategy on productivity must be ensured. The government should find out the reason behind the rejection of the country’s seedless oranges. The National Agriculture Research Council should take notice of it. The CPEC would make Pakistan prosperous if we export quality products and can go beyond the target set by the experts. Dedicated efforts can definitely bring the fruits of prosperity in Pakistan in the near future.

Engr Riaz Akbar

Wah Cantt