China’s Development Success Benefiting the World, Says Pakistani Scholar

Jinan (Xinhua): Pakistani scholar Syed Jamal Khan, in collaboration with a Chinese scholar, has written a book titled “Winds from the East: How the Belt and Road Initiative is Connecting Continents and Creating Economic Opportunities”. In this book, he explains that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aims to improve infrastructure development in Asia, Europe, and Africa while promoting trade and investment. The goal is to strengthen global connectivity and economic cooperation.

Syed Jamal Khan has been living in China since 2017. In 2022, he joined Shandong University in Weihai, an eastern city of China. Currently, he is a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of International Studies at Shandong University and conducts research at the Center for Global Development and BRI Studies.

Li Yuan, Executive Director of the Institute of International Studies at Shandong University, praised Syed Jamal Khan’s contributions. He stated that over the past two years, Khan has published several high-level research papers and actively participated in international conferences. His efforts have strengthened connections between Chinese and Pakistani academic institutions and enhanced collaboration among scholars from both countries.

In an interview with Xinhua, Syed Jamal Khan shared his experiences of living in China for eight years. He described his time there as highly valuable and expressed his admiration for China’s rich culture, traditional festivals, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and technological advancements.

As a recognized economist specializing in international trade, developmental economics, and trade policies, Khan offers a unique perspective on China’s progress and transformation in recent years. He stated,

I have witnessed China’s remarkable growth, from rapid economic expansion and infrastructure development to advancements in technology. This progress reflects China’s strategic vision, innovation-driven policies, and commitment to high-quality development.

Khan also commended China’s dedication to environmentally friendly development, highlighting its leadership in renewable energy. “China is making massive investments in solar power, wind energy, and electric vehicle technology. These advancements not only help combat climate change but also boost economic growth by creating new industries and job opportunities,” he explained.

Discussing the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Khan shared a personal experience. He recalled that traveling 120 kilometers from his hometown, Hazara, to Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, used to take six hours due to heavy traffic and poor road conditions. However, with infrastructure improvements under CPEC, travel has become much more efficient.

China’s development continues to bring benefits to the world, and scholars like Syed Jamal Khan are actively contributing to global discussions on economic cooperation and progress.

Published in The Gwadar Post, 07 March 2025.