ISLAMABAD – China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has a potential tocreate a total of 1.2 million direct jobs through its currently 42 agreedprojects by 2030.

With the inclusion of new projects under the CPEC long term plan in sectorslike agriculture, tourism, mineral processing, oil and gas and services,the job portfolio is likely to be enhanced many fold, a study conducted byCenter of Excellence for CPEC said.

The study revealed that out of actual jobs created under CPEC projects sofar, 29,674 jobs have been created in three road projects, while 1,294employees were engaged in the 820 long optical fiber project.Similarly 22,900 direct jobs have been created in five energy projects and1100 jobs were created in one project of Gwadar.

Further, according to estimation projected by the study, 1800 jobs areexpected to be created in two road projects, while 14,400 direct jobs wouldbe generated in upgradation of railways Mainline-1 project.

According to the estimation of the study, 11 new projects in Gwadar city tobe initiated soon would produce 76000 direct jobs.

The 11 new project include development of free zone, new GwadarInternational Airport, Gwadar East-Bay Expressway, dredging of berthingareas and channels, construction of breakwater, Pak-China friendshiphospital, technical and vocational institute, Gwadar smart port city masterplan, Bao steel park, petrochemicals, stainless steel and other industriesin the city, development of Gwadar University, and upgradation anddevelopment of fishing, boat making and maintenance services to protect andpromote livelihoods of local population.

The 16 energy projects would also produce 5,0828 jobs while nine SpecialEconomic Zones (SEZs) to be constructed in various parts of the countrywould produce 1,021,396 direct jobs in the country.

The study said that among the total direct jobs to be generated, a hugechunk of share would go to Pakistani individuals, however it suggested thatPakistani individuals would need more technical training to fulfil theirjob requirements.

“The crux of the matter for any economy is the mismatch of skills. Inwhich, the work force exists, the positions in the job market are vacant,but, the unemployment rate remains unaffected,” the study said adding “theexpertise acquired by the workers are not consistent with the job market.

As a result, there exists a gap between the practitioners and theacademics, while the students of today cannot take firm decisions for theircareer path.” – APP