Ancient Silk Road being revived through CPEC: VC PIDE

ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP): President,Pakistan Society of Development Economics (PSDE) and Vice Chancellor Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Dr. Asad Zaman said on Tuesday the ancient Silk Road was being revived through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Addressing the participants at the 32nd Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Pakistan Society of Development Economists (PSDE) on ‘CPEC and Regional Integration’ organized by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), here, he said, “As a Chinese proverb goes, we are living in interesting times.”
The Holy Qur’an also says that Allah circulates the kingdom among His people and this is exactly what is happening as the world is in the state of transition. The next hegemon of the world would be Asia lead by China,” he added.
In transitional times, he said, the power is up for grabs. The transition also creates opportunities to redefine the world and it is the scholars who carry the day by redefining the world.
Dr. Zaman opined, when the leadership changes hands, it is the leader who sets the terms and the followers do not have much choice but to look at the world the way the leaders wants them to see it.
The VC PIDE said, there also existed an ancient Silk Road which is being revived through CPEC.
He hoped that the new civilization that is emerging would promote harmony and peace.
In his Secretary’s report, Dr. Ejaz Ghani who is the incumbent Secretary PSDE highlighted the growing interest in the AGM and Conference of the PSDE.
He said, this year 140 papers were received, out of which 32 were selected after a careful screening process.
Dr. Ghani apprised the audience that just as in the past, this year scholars from many countries including Canada, UK, USA, China, Singapore, Germany, and Tajikistan have come to participate in the AGM.
He expressed hope that the deliberations at the Conference would prove very helpful in devising strategies for making CPEC successful.