Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, ED, PRCCSF participated as a speaker in the Panel Discussion on “BRI and Global Governance: CPEC’s Strategic Importance for Pakistan’s Economic Future” held at PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi

On 9 October 2024, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director of the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), delivered a speech at the panel discussion titled “BRI and Global Governance: CPEC’s Strategic Importance for Pakistan’s Economic Future.” It was held at the Main Auditorium of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, was part of the International Conference on “Breaking Boundaries: Digital Transformation and Innovative Management Science Practices.” The conference was jointly organized by the Network of Academies of Sciences in Countries of Organization of Islamic Conference (NASIC), the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), and the University Institute of Management Sciences at PMAS-Arid Agriculture University.

Moderated by Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan, Assistant Professor of Marketing at COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), the session brought together leading experts to discuss the transformative potential of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram captivated the audience with an insightful speech on the vast opportunities CPEC presents for Pakistan’s economic future. He provided a historical analysis of China’s vision for the BRI, highlighting its six corridors and China’s wider role in addressing global challenges. He also emphasized China’s peace initiatives, including efforts to resolve international conflicts, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) critical role in promoting regional security and stability.

Other distinguished panelists included:

• Ambassador Babar Amin, Former Diplomat and Ambassador (R)
• Fazal ur Rahman, Executive Director of the Pakistan Council on China and the Understanding China Forum in Lahore
• Minahil Riaz Toor, Operations & Outreach Lead at the Centre for Chinese Legal Studies, LUMS
• Farida Faisal, Associate Professor, UIMS, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi

The conference highlighted key themes such as Chinese modernization, reform, economic growth, and technological innovation. Participants explored how Pakistan can learn from China’s remarkable achievement of lifting 800 million people out of poverty through an inclusive development path. Discussions also delved into China’s Global Security Initiative, Global Development Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, particularly within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) framework, showcasing China’s ambition to enhance global governance and promote multilateralism. The role of the SCO in fostering and strengthening regional connectivity, promoting the use of member-state currencies to reduce dependence on the dollar, and complementing the Belt and Road Initiative’s objectives was also discussed.

The seminar was well-attended by students from the University’s Institute of Management Sciences, who benefited from the rich discussions on China’s public diplomacy and the legal frameworks ensuring transparency in CPEC projects.

In the end, the Honorable Chairman HEC Pakistan Professor Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed distributed conference momentos among the speakers of the panel discussion.