CPEC Crucial for Boosting Pakistan's Exports, Preventing Brain Drain | Insights

Chongqing - Ali Zaki, Director of 5G Marketing and Project Director of Aiwa City, shared his profound insights in an exclusive interview with Bridging News for the "Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Youth" Asia Youth Dialogue event held on June 14.

Ali Zaki is giving a lecture. (Photo/Ali Zaki)

The event held simultaneously in China's Chongqing, Singapore, and Pakistan, aims to foster dialogue among young entrepreneurs from China, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, focusing on innovation and challenges in emerging economies.

Zaki uses his extensive experience in both corporate sectors and academia to explore potential collaborative growth opportunities, particularly between Pakistan, China, and Singapore. His 8-year tenure as Business Head North-Pakistan for the Fortune 500 company Fresenius has given him a deep understanding of the global business landscape.

In 2018, Zaki entered the real estate industry by investing in Aiwa City to boost the country's economy. This project in Attock integrates modern infrastructure with a comfortable and sustainable lifestyle. Zaki emphasized that Aiwa City offers innovative architecture and high living standards for both local and overseas Pakistanis.

Zaki highlighted the importance of international collaborations, particularly through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), emphasizing the mutual benefits they bring. He stated, "The only solution right now for Pakistan is to develop their exports, I think the only country that can contribute or can help us is China because China has a tremendous capacity to produce exports."

The CPEC connects Pakistan's Gwadar Port with China's Xinjiang region through highways, railways, and pipelines. It has improved Pakistan's transportation infrastructure and helped address energy shortages. It has also helped Pakistan establish special economic zones (SEZs) and develop Gwadar Port, boosting export-oriented industries and foreign investment and creating a direct export route to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

Ali Zaki and his students. (Photo/Ali Zaki)

Reflecting on the challenges for entrepreneurs in Pakistan, Zaki identified political instability and bureaucratic inefficiencies as major hurdles. He passionately advocated for supportive government policies and emphasized the need for sectors like textiles and sports goods to harness the entrepreneurial spirit of Pakistani youth.

He emphasized the importance of better support systems, saying, "I think in the future, there is a likelihood that Pakistan may face a brain drain situation. We must build our economy based on exports, products, and finished goods."

According to English-language Asian news network CNA, Pakistan's brain drain has escalated in 2024, with over 800,000 Pakistanis leaving each year for the past two years—nearly three times the number from 2021. Many emigrants are highly educated professionals, including doctors, engineers, IT specialists, and accountants. Economic instability, political unrest, and rising living costs are the primary drivers of this exodus.

He said that local industries have immense potential and, with proper guidance and government support, can significantly transform the country's economy. This aligns with the dialogue's focus on fostering entrepreneurship.

Zaki also spoke about his efforts to shape future business leaders through academic positions and professional training. He noted that educating and training young people not only equips them to face future challenges but also fosters a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Looking ahead to the dialogue event, Zaki shared his hopes for the platform, highlighting the importance of learning from successful practices and fostering international relationships. He pointed out that being friends with the participating nations enables them to learn from their practices. 

He also believes that having a large population benefits their economy and that it is essential to focus on the youth's well-being and development.