Youth, Innovation, and CPEC: Pakistan Poised for New Opportunities
The Pakistan-China Institute (PCI), through its flagship initiative “Friends of Silk Road,” hosted a conference in Islamabad titled “The Five-Year Plan and China-Pakistan Future: Innovation, Youth Development, and Shared Opportunities.” The gathering brought together young influencers, journalists, researchers, and diplomats to explore how China’s new Five-Year Plan, with its focus on green development and self-reliance, can create avenues for Pakistan’s economy and youth.
Executive Director of PCI, Mustafa Hyder Sayed, emphasised that China’s commitment to self-reliance represents a critical opportunity for Pakistan to engage through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), provided a stable security environment is maintained to attract Chinese industries relocating from coastal provinces. Highlighting China’s leadership in green technologies, he stressed that Pakistan—vulnerable to climate-induced challenges like floods and droughts—can benefit by learning from China’s advancements in renewable energy and sustainable practices.
The conference highlighted potential industrial relocations, noting that medium-sized enterprises from Guangdong and Zhejiang are exploring new markets abroad. Mustafa Hyder Sayed urged Pakistan to seize these opportunities, leveraging CPEC as a ready-made platform to attract investment and foster economic growth.
Nabila Jaffer, Head of China Study at the Institute of Regional Studies, provided insights into China’s planning system, explaining that the 15th Five-Year Plan is developed through a comprehensive, multi-sectoral process engaging all levels of society. She traced China’s development journey, noting the early focus on health and education post-1949, and how reforms over the decades transformed China into a global economic powerhouse.
Journalist Sehrish Qureshi emphasised innovation as the driver of China’s growth and offered lessons for Pakistan. She highlighted the importance of technology collaboration for national security and countering misinformation around CPEC, stressing responsible media coverage as essential.
Social media influencer Jehad Zafar underscored China’s positive impact in the region, advocating for greater regional cooperation through groupings like SCO, BRICS, and BRI, and emphasising the importance of peace, work ethic, and human resource development in achieving long-term prosperity.
Yang Nuo, Minister Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, described the conference as a familial and inspiring event, recognising youth engagement as crucial for the future. He called for enhanced communication to combat fake news and highlighted that while CPEC is transformative, sustained success requires continuous investment, a secure environment, and joint efforts from both countries.
The conference concluded with interactive discussions among students, researchers, media professionals, and influencers on innovation, youth development, and China-Pakistan cooperation. PCI reaffirmed its commitment to fostering platforms that connect policymakers, youth, and opinion-makers to build a shared future based on connectivity, green development, and strong people-to-people ties.