Pakistan’s development challenges require institutions that can think independently, generate evidence, and connect research with public policy. At PIDE, our responsibility is not only to study the economy, but to help shape practical pathways for reform, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

The Centre of Excellence for CPEC reflects this wider institutional purpose. CPEC is not merely a portfolio of projects; it is a long-term framework for connectivity, industrial transformation, trade expansion, regional cooperation, and knowledge exchange. For Pakistan to fully benefit from this opportunity, policy choices must be informed by rigorous analysis, local realities, global trends, and continuous dialogue between researchers, policymakers, businesses, and development partners.

PIDE’s academic and policy ecosystem is well positioned to support this work. Through research, policy labs, data-driven analysis, publications, conferences, capacity building, and strategic partnerships, we aim to strengthen the intellectual foundations of Pakistan’s engagement with CPEC and the Belt and Road Initiative. The Centre will contribute to this effort by examining emerging opportunities, identifying implementation constraints, and offering evidence-based recommendations that support better decision-making.

Our ambition is to make PIDE a globally connected policy powerhouse and a trusted source of ideas for Pakistan’s economic transformation. The Centre of Excellence for CPEC is an important part of this vision, linking academic inquiry with national priorities and regional cooperation.

I look forward to seeing the Centre deepen its engagement with government institutions, Chinese and international partners, universities, think tanks, the private sector, and development organizations. Through credible research and purposeful collaboration, it can help ensure that CPEC continues to generate lasting value for Pakistan and the wider region.

Dr. Nadeem Javaid
Vice Chancellor
Pakistan Institute of Development Economics