Mirza Ikhtiar Baig (Economist): Most serious challenge to the country is depreciating rupee that has been sliding downwards for quite some time. We have to contain this flight and pressure to rupee. We have to maintain our foreign reserves by reducing imports. For this, we have to curb the imports of luxury goods. In addition, we have to import furnace oil to run our power plants, which puts pressure on the economy. The government needs to encourage more foreign remittances and increase our exports to get more dollars. Once we get these improvements, we will be able to get financing from ADB, AIIB and other multi-lateral financial institutions. We also need to arrange finances from friendly countries which will improve our foreign reserves and economic position.

Dr. Noor Fatima (Political Economist): Reduction in import bill will benefit the economy in the short term. We cannot stop imports all the time. We need to curb imports, especially oil, as it is a big burden on our economy. We need to explore alternative sources of energy including solar, coal and wind for power production to save foreign exchange. We need to diversify our trade and exports to earn more to turn the balance of trade in our favor. The government needs to bridge the trust deficit between various stakeholders which was created during the previous government.

Dr. Talat Shabbir (IR Expert): It is high time that both China and Pakistan should speed up work on CPEC projects. It is a joint project for collective welfare and development of people. Second and third phases of CPEC are in progress and there is a lot of investment in terms of money, infrastructure and skills in this mega project. Increasing speed on CPEC projects will intensify the momentum of development in Pakistan. It will benefit all members of society and stakeholders in Pakistan and China. We need to enhance capacity of our workers, engineers and other people associated with the CPEC. China must also help build our capacity as well as skills. We also need to boost our agricultural yield and China is far ahead in this area. Besides, China should also help us build and relocate industry suitable for Pakistani markets and domains. It is very critical stage of Pak, China relations and both should work hard to make CPEC successful.

Dr. Talat Anwar (Economist): China’s Belt and Road Initiative is a great concept. It is a good development that China is giving training to Pakistani officials regarding OBOR and CPEC. Energy is the major sector in CPEC. Pakistan was facing energy crisis in 2015 and the government at that time gave priority to this sector by joining CPEC. The government also focused on infrastructure development to boost connectivity and economy. Projects in infrastructure and energy initially involved Chinese workers and it is a good step that Pakistani workers are also being given training. This will increase employment opportunities for local people. We need to adopt the model of economic liberalization and develop economy. China also adopted this model and protected its domestic economy.