Islamabad – The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) recently hosted a high-level meeting with Professor David Daokui Li, Mansfield Freeman Chair Professor at Tsinghua University, China, to discuss Pakistan’s pressing economic challenges and explore avenues for strategic collaboration.
The PIDE delegation, led by Dr. Nasir Iqbal, Registrar, included key members such as Dr. Shujaat Farooq (Chief of Research), Dr. Usman Qadir (Senior Research Economist), Ms. Afia Malik (Senior Research Economist), Dr. Mehmood Khalid (Senior Research Economist), Dr. Muhammad Zeshan (Research Fellow), and Dr. Muhammad Faisal (Research Fellow).
Presenting a Bold Vision for Pakistan’s Economy
During the meeting, Dr. Nasir Iqbal presented Pakistan’s flagship initiative, the 5E National Economic Transformation Plan, a visionary framework designed to address Pakistan’s economic constraints and unlock sustainable growth. The plan focuses on five critical pillars:
Exports – Enhancing global competitiveness and trade.
E-Pakistan – Driving digital transformation and technological integration.
Environment & Climate Change – Promoting green growth and climate resilience.
Energy & Infrastructure – Strengthening infrastructure and ensuring energy security.
Equity & Empowerment – Ensuring inclusive growth and reducing inequality.
These interconnected pillars provide a comprehensive roadmap for Pakistan’s economic revival and sustainable development.
Strategic Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
Professor Li engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue with the PIDE team, exploring critical areas such as Pakistan’s macroeconomic trajectory, fiscal imbalances, energy bottlenecks, trade relations, and the ongoing IMF program. The discussions highlighted low productivity as a major constraint to Pakistan’s economic growth, with Dr. Nasir stressing that targeted technology transfer and capacity-building are essential to overcoming these challenges.
“Engagement with China presents a unique opportunity for Pakistan to bridge its productivity gap through knowledge-sharing, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships,” emphasized Dr. Nasir.
Sectoral Agenda for Transformation
Responding to Professor Li’s inquiry regarding short-term interventions to uplift Pakistan’s economy, the PIDE team outlined a dynamic sectoral agenda:
Auto Industry: Leveraging Chinese expertise to enhance local production and technology.
Renewable Energy: Expanding solar and clean energy initiatives.
Industrial Development: Boosting local manufacturing capabilities.
Agriculture: Modernizing farming practices with advanced machinery and techniques.
Power Sector: Improving infrastructure and distribution efficiency.
Trade & Connectivity: Strengthening cross-border trade channels.
Joint R&D Centers: Establishing research hubs to foster innovation and knowledge-sharing.
A Shared Vision for Pakistan’s Future
A shared vision emerged during the meeting—developing an indigenous economic model for Pakistan that integrates social capital, equitable development, and digital transformation, particularly under the E-Pakistan initiative. Professor Li expressed strong support for this approach and acknowledged the 5E framework as a robust foundation for Pakistan’s future growth.
PIDE Conference: Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The meeting concluded with Dr. Nasir Iqbal extending an invitation to Professor Li to participate in the upcoming PIDE Conference, which aligns with the vision of E-Pakistan. Professor Li expressed keen interest in attending and contributing to the conference, recognizing its significance in fostering intellectual exchange and deepening policy-level cooperation between Pakistan and China.
“Our collaboration with Tsinghua University opens new doors for bold, innovative solutions to Pakistan’s economic challenges. Together, we can pave the way for a resilient and prosperous future,” remarked Dr. Nasir Iqbal.
