Interestingly, President H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his state of the nation address rightly emphasized the strategic importance of trans-regional connectivity. At

Interestingly, President H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his state of the nation address rightly emphasized the strategic importance of trans-regional connectivity. At least0 “11 international transport corridors” navigate Kazakhstan, and it aims to increase the share of transport and logistics in its GDP to 9 percent within the next three years.

Historically, Kazakhstan was one of the first countries to support the BRI aligning its participation with its ambitious goal of becoming a “transport” and “logistics” hub in Eurasia. 

The Republic of Kazakhstan under the visionary leadership of President H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has become connecting hub of greater regional connectivity, socio-economic integration and qualitative industrialization in Central Asia and beyond.    

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his state’s address showcased more than 100 ideas and proposals covering a wide range of issues, presenting a future strategy for the development of Kazakhstan’s economy in which it would play an important role in the regional expansion of the BRI in the days to come. 

Kazakhstan is the “biggest diversified economy” of the Central Asian region which is also the “birthplace” of BRI in 2013. Since its inception, the BRI has become a win-win proposition for both the countries and their private companies alike. 

Moreover, it fostered deep connections and conducted meaningful cooperation with China covering almost all sectors under the BRI framework ranging from investments, trade, infrastructure development, digitalization, agriculture, rails, and special economic free zones. 

The “constant” increase in bilateral trade volumes, inflows of investments, corporate agricultural cooperation, and continued industrial development vividly reflect the strong impacts of the BRI in the diverse sectors of the Kazak economy. It seems that the BRI has been deeply “aligned” with Kazakhstan's development strategy, continuously promoting stable and far-reaching pragmatic cooperation between the two countries.

The scientific study upholds that since the announcement of the BRI, many mega projects have been initiated and subsequently, carried out in Kazakhstan, benefiting both countries and the entire Central Asian region. These projects involve expanding transport and logistics capabilities, modernizing industrial, and agricultural infrastructure and renewables etc.  

According to the General Administration of Customs of China (2021-2022) the total volume of trade in goods between China and Kazakhstan stood at $31.17 billion in 2022, up 23.6 percent from the previous year. In 2022, the trade volume between China and Central Asian countries registered a record of over $70 billion which is indeed the blessing of the BRI.

Interestingly, China has consistently ranked as Kazakhstan's second-largest trading partner, second-largest export destination, and second-largest source of imports for many years. 

Both countries have enthusiastically developed transit transportation and international land and sea multimodal transport. In this regard, the China-Europe freight trains have been operating non-stop, with over 13,000 trains passing through the “Alashankou” and “Khorgos” ports in Northwest China's Xinjiang in 2022, an increase of 8.7 percent compared to the previous year. From January to July 2023, more than 8,000 trains passed through these ports.

Even modern industries have also flourished. China and Kazakhstan have continuously created cooperation highlights in healthcare, cross-border e-commerce, digital economy, automobile manufacturing, and modern agriculture.

It is evident that the BRI has played any important role in ‘trade and investment to capacity cooperation, connectivity, modern industries, disaster management, healthcare and multiculturalism”.  The all-round mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Kazakhstan has vividly reflected strong “vitality” and “resilience”, and the foundation of people-to-people friendship is becoming increasingly solid. 

The “Shymkent Oil Refinery”, the “photovoltaic power plant in Almaty”, and “the Orda glass plant in Kazakhstan's Kyzylorda Region” are the few mega projects under the flagship project of BRI. These have greatly improved Kazakhstan's industrialization level and benefited the people.

It hopes the BRI in the next decade will further enhance energy cooperation in oil, natural gas, and uranium. In the clean energy sector, “wind power”, “photovoltaics”, and “solar thermal energy” will be actively further expanded. 

Moreover, cooperation in “e-commerce”, “big data”, “artificial intelligence”, and “5G” will be further flourished. In addition, infrastructure connectivity will be made to improve cross-border transportation and port handling capacity, while also promoting land and sea interconnectivity between two countries. 

Moreover, “mineral extraction” and “processing”, “machinery manufacturing”, “chemicals”, “construction materials”, and “agriculture” will be further developed under the BRI in the next decade. 

Furthermore cooperation in “green”, “low-carbon”, and “sustainable development” will be further strengthened creating mutually befitting propositions for both the countries. 

On its part, Kazakhstan has identified the development of “green energy” as a major direction in its national energy development strategy and has set the goal of transforming into a green economy by 2050. Cooperation in green energy has become a highlight of the economic and trade cooperation between China and Kazakhstan. Chinese companies' landing of green projects in Kazakhstan such as the 100-MW Zhanatas wind farm has greatly pushed the realization of this goal.

In the field of e-commerce, Kazakhstan has vigorously supported enterprises in promoting exports through cross-border e-commerce in recent years. From 2020 to 2022, a total of 220 Kazakh enterprises have joined Alibaba's international e-commerce platform, with cumulative sales of nearly US$225 million. 

In concluding remarks, the BRI has become a “driving force”, an “ideal platform” for sustainable economic development, and last but not least a mega project of “trans-regional geo-economics”. It has also successfully transformed Kazakhstan’s “economic outlook” and has further enhanced its “geographical significance”. 

It is suggested that “electric vehicles” would be another area of cooperation under the BRI between the two sides in the next decade. Moreover, diversification of the macro-economy through robust “service” and “financial sector”, “real estate”, “mining”, “blue/green hydrogen power generation”, “smart living/city”, “climate change”, “community development”, “projects of consumer goods”, “balanced rural development” and “food security” would be mutually beneficial sectors under BRI in the next ten years.  

It is suggested that policymakers of Kazakhstan should focus on the continuation of the “structural reforms” to address its medium-term development challenges. It seems that desired economic growth has been significantly constrained by weak productivity over the past decade, thwarting development prospects. Average real GDP growth has declined to less than 4 percent since the 2008 banking crisis and subsequent construction bubble burst, down from 10 percent annual expansion in 2000-2007 which needs to be rectified as soon as possible.

It is “good omen” that the growth of Kazakhstan’s economy reached 5 percent in the first half of 2023, with a 4.8 percent increase in the real sector and 4.9 percent in the service sector All major industries registered positive outlook, with the highest indicators recorded by the construction sector with a 12.3 percent growth, trade 10.4 percent and information and communication 8.8 percent.

The new game-changing rules of Just Kazakhstan involve changes in the relationship between the central and regional executive powers, as well as the implementation of new tax incentive measures, regulatory laws, and investor collaboration will bring more socio-economic prosperity and connectivity under the BRI in the next decade.

This article is written by Dr Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan

Executive Director: The Center for South & International Studies (CSAIS) Islamabad

Kazakhstan & BRI: An Ideal Combination of Geo-Economics

 In anticipation of the global financial crisis and an adjustment of power, the BRICS countries joined to create a powerful alliance to encourage collaboration, econ

 In anticipation of the global financial crisis and an adjustment of power, the BRICS countries joined to create a powerful alliance to encourage collaboration, economic development, and change in international institutions. The emergence of BRICS as a collective has sparked intense debate and interest about its predictions for the world in the 21st century. 

The BRICS nations collaborate on security, counterterrorism, environmental change, and sustainable improvement initiatives based on cooperative working sessions. The alliance promotes a multipolar international order, collaboration, and economic growth. Today, as was revealed during the late August conference in Johannesburg that tills the beginning in January 2024, four more MENA (Middle East and North Africa) nations will join it. 

In a significant effort to expand its role in the rapidly changing global order, the bloc of major expanding economies—which comprises 40% of the world's population and nearly a quarter of its GDP—sent invitations to Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Argentina and Ethiopia.

Although now, 40 administrations have either expressed interest in joining the group, which is considered a counterbalance to the G7 or have spread the word about it. As the Southern bloc desires inclusive multilateral collaboration, further organ enlargement will probably definitely follow.

Because of this, the new membership with MENA (Middle East and North Africa) immigrants provides greater input to global events and enables them to accept more significant roles of regional and global leadership. Nevertheless, the vast majority of China's energy imports come from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, two of the world's biggest producers of oil and gas. And India recently raised the price of its crude imports from Saudi Arabia.  

Plus point award to Beijing for inhaling big fish (Washington): 

The recent accession of the MENA nations indicates a significant increase for Beijing in its ambitions to impose more political clout in the region. Given that oil has just recently started to be supplied in other currencies beyond dollars, the developed block might change global economic dynamics regarding the oil industry and policy. The expanded group might have an enormous impact on the energy markets if BRICS members move away from dependence on the US currency and ultimately begin trading completely in their native currencies.

However, the BRICS would also provide additional aid for countries struggling under US sanctions, such as Egypt, Ethiopia, and Iran.  Iran's threshold is projected to be a political victory that eliminates its diplomatic isolation as an outcome of Western pressure. Therefore, For Beijing, stability in the Gulf is key; bringing two powerful antagonists Iran and Saudi Arabia into the same space is supposed a win.

Thus, Since maintaining stability in the Gulf is important for Beijing, putting two powerful rivals, Iran and Saudi Arabia, together is thought to be advantageous, and with increasing hostility between the United States and China and the war in Ukraine encouraging Western-imposed sanctions against Russia, the BRICS expansion is presently only dealing with de-dollarization, but that time is not too far away when the bloc has increasingly become a form of rival strategic alliance.

The presence of US allies like the UAE and Saudi Arabia alongside other nations illustrates how political bias could make the grouping happen to be a platform for preserving the geopolitical agendas of Beijing and Moscow, which might concern, those who are focused on expanding their economic ties with both Eastern and Western partners. 

This article was written by Hajra Khan, who is studying BS in International Relations at NUML Rawalpindi. She is a member of the Youth Diplomacy Forum and a Diplotics Correspondent Middle East.

Will a BRICS expansion pattern be the beginning of a new world order?  

BRI & UAE: A Research StudyThe BRI has now completed its ten years during which it has brought unlimited “befitting propositions” for all the participating countries

The BRI has now completed its ten years during which it has brought unlimited “befitting propositions” for all the participating countries and the UAE-China bilateral relations “reconfirm” its multidimensional importance.

According to the World Bank published reports the BRI covers more than 153 countries, 65 percent of the world’s population, 40 percent of the world’s land, 36 percent of the global GDP and 75 per cent of known energy reserves and 

 partnership under the flagship project of the BRI is creating “immense” socio-economic integration, connectivity and diversification of economy leading towards innovations, digitalization, e-commerce, qualitative industrial chains, “big data” and “AI cooperation”. 

Additionally, it is expected to decrease trade cost and lift trade barriers among many countries involved in this initiative. United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a “natural” strategic partner of BRI with an important geographical location and huge “logistic” potential creating befitting propositions for both the countries.  

 partnership both countries have extended their cooperation into many fields, ranging from trade and financial services to education and culture, and now to space cooperation. Moreover, it has established “sustainable” aviation cooperation and 

has become the first foreign airline to operate routes to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou since the outbreak of the pandemic.

The Dubai Traders Market (DTM) is one of the biggest projects under BRI. The DTM covers approximately 800,000 square metres and is part of the Jebal Ali Free Zone. Furthermore, the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone, (ICCDZ) is another mega project of the BRI. Since 2019, it has attracted more than 3.2 billion RMB ($505 million) in investments. This cooperation has enabled to receive cutting-edge technologies, expertise and investments that have propelled its industrial growth.

It supports five industrial sectors: Metals & Advanced Manufacturing, Petroleum Equipment & Technical Services, Building Materials & Home Furnishings, Renewable Energy & Environmental Technology, and Electric Vehicles & Heavy Machinery.

To give new impetus to their cooperation the China National Space Administration signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UAE's Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), marking the beginning of the first joint space project between the two countries and laying a solid foundation for future space cooperation between the two countries. 

Likewise, the CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of CRRC Group, successfully delivered two Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit Trains, (ART) to the UAE. It was CRRC's first batch of ART trains delivered to overseas users.

UAE is situated geographically at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and is expected to play a vital role in the BRI. The UAE stands confident to be a leader and consolidate itself as the trade hub of the GCC, MENA, Middle East and the gateway to Africa.

Dubai’s DXB Airport has become the busiest of the region since 2014. It is also the busiest airport in the world by international passenger count. On the other hand, the Al Maktoum Airport, which focuses on cargo flights into Dubai (including China Airlines Cargo and Emirates Sky Cargo), and the Abu Dhabi Airport, which is the home base of Etihad Airways both are supporting the BRI inroads to the Gulf region.

The Port of Jebel Ali is the 12th busiest container port in the world handling more than 13.5 million TEUs in 2020. Moreover, it is the fourth-busiest port outside of China (including Hong Kong), and by a considerable margin, the busiest of the Gulf region. The second- and third-busiest ports of the Gulf both share land borders with the UAE, being Jeddah Port in Saudi Arabia in second place with 4.4 million TEUs per year (in 2019), and Salalah Port in Oman, at 4.1 million TEUs per year (2019), both handling less than one-third of the TEUs compared to the Port of Jebel Ali ensuring enhanced aviation maritime connectivity under the BRI creating befitting partnership for both the countries.

The Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi is one of the largest deep-water harbours in the world. China’s COSCO Shipping Ports (“CSP”) holds Abu Dhabi Terminal. The CSP terminal covers an area of 275,000 square metres and is the CSP’s regional hub of its network of 36 ports across the globe. The CSP terminal has a design capacity of 2.5 million TEUs annually and the ability to accommodate mega vessels carrying in excess of 20,000 TEUs.

UAE has a number of shared interests with China in the areas of education, science, technology, culture, tourism, space and artificial intelligence. The UAE is at the forefront of such endeavours and the Emirates of both Abu Dhabi and Dubai provide a regional hub for Fintech business. Hopefully it is expected to expand as the UAE seeks to benefit from the digital aspects of the BRI and its closer ties with China.

It seems that the UAE is the undisputed leader of the region in terms of the BRI both with the physical transportation of goods, and on the digital and technology front. As a consequence, the more than 4,000 Chinese businesses already in the UAE stand to strengthen the important platform from which the UAE provides a gateway to the vast emerging markets of the entire Gulf region, which includes close to 100 million residents.

In summary, hopefully, the bilateral cooperation of UAE-China will be further enhanced in technology, innovation, space exploration, nuclear energy, renewables, EVs and blue/green hydropower generation, making BRI an attractive strategic partner mega project for the UAE.

It is predicted that China will support the UAE's efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and search for more sustainable sources of energy, by entering into partnerships to build power plants using solar panels, and intensifying research cooperation to create more technological alternatives in renewable energy. 

Interestingly, UAE hosts the largest Chinese trading hub outside of the mainland, Dragon Mart, which is in Dubai. The UAE is home to about 200,000 Chinese citizens and 4,000 businesses, while more than one million Chinese tourists visited the country in 2017.

According to the UAE’s Ministry of Economy in 2018, more than 22 per cent of Arab-Chinese trade goes through the UAE and 30 per cent of China’s exports to the Arab world pass through the UAE. Trade between China and the UAE is forecast to grow to $70 billion by 2023.

It forecasts that the two countries will witness more cooperation in digitalization, AI, medicine, and other high-tech areas under the BRI in the future.  

The UAE has world class transport links and possess large ports that are well positioned to service trade between Asia, Africa and Europe. Moreover, Dubai is strategic location between the Far East and Europe which has now become economic and financial centre for Asia, Africa and Europe would be value addition for the further growth of BRI in the Gulf region. 

Executive Director: The Center for South Asia & International Studies (CSAIS) Islamabad 

BRI and United Arab Emirates 

Jaranwala Incident: Unfortunately, on the 16th of August, 2023, many homes of Christian communities living in different part of Jaranwala were attacked and burnt. Ev

Unfortunately, on the 16th of August, 2023, many homes of Christian communities living in different part of Jaranwala were attacked and burnt. Even two Christians were also brutally killed by violent mobs of Muslims.

In a mad chase of their own vested interests many Churches were also demolished indicating severe religious intolerance, widespread fanaticism creating serious problems for the State and system alike in the country. Moreover it should not be wrongly equated with western Islamophobia.

Simply it was attack on Constitution of Pakistan which guarantees provision and protection of basic human rights and necessities of life to all minorities living in the country. It was onslaught on the basic injections of Islam which unconditionally protects lives and properties of minorities in all respects and promotes equality, harmony and social cohesion among different segments of the society.

It was attack on our political system and social fabric that always nurtures ethnic diversity and supports multiculturalism in the country. Thus Jaranwala’s heinous incident has further weakened our secular and social equality roots.

Time and again, human rights organizations and social activists showing their serious concerns about the misuse of blasphemy laws in the country giving license to kill in the hands of fanatic wandering souls and roughs of the society.

The entire life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) upheld the importance of the rights of minorities. He chalked out a holistic and comprehensive charter for the safety and security of the minorities which is still relevant and permanent for all Muslims living around the globe. The clergy should play its due role to educate people and promote interfaith harmony and ethnic diversity in the country so that levels of tolerance, decency and good will would be circulated in the society. 

In accordance with the forthcoming official report, the fervent mob in and around Jaranwala set ablaze 19 residences along with 86 other structures, apart from the Christian places of worship. These structures were subjected to conflagration and significant destruction as a result of the tumultuous assault.

According to the report the most substantial devastation occurred within the precincts of the Christian enclave, where 40 edifices and three churches were set ablaze. Moreover, in the locality of Chhota Mandi, two additional churches and 29 structures were also subjected to the ravages of fire, as per the information disclosed.

Two men accused of calling for violence against the minority places of worship in Jaranwala tehsil of Faisalabad, were taken into custody by the police. Now more than 150 alleged culprits have been arrested. Resettlement process has been started and sincere efforts area also being carried out to win the hearts and souls through humanitarian assistance and charity at every level.

As per the police statement, the individual in question, has been identified as Yasin and subsequently arrested. In the recording, the man can be observed using a loudspeaker within a mosque, urging people to congregate. This development has led to his arrest in connection with the incident.

The unfolding of events follows an imperative directive from the provisional government of Punjab, which mandated an inquiry of elevated stature subsequent to a riotous mob's act of igniting multiple churches and desecrating the residences of Christian inhabitants on the aforementioned Wednesday. The authorities have reported the apprehension of more than a hundred individuals in connection with these disturbances.

One of the victim, Perveen Bibi, A resident of Christian colony of Jaranwala told the reporters: “We were all sleeping when the announcements were made in mosque’s loudspeakers at about 5am, inciting the people against us (Christians). As soon as we heard the announcements, we ran for our lives.”

The image of the young Christian boy adorned in distinctive attire for the occasion of "Independence Day," offering solace to his weeping mother, ought to serve as a compelling catalyst capable of stirring the dormant conscience of our nation.

The Pakistan Ulema Council has demanded that the government address the losses incurred by the Christian community. During a meeting Punjab Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi stated that the government would bear the costs for the restoration of government buildings and properties of the Christian community in Jaranwala, and this process would take the next three to four days. 

He emphasized the need to formulate a long-term plan, urging Muslim scholars to educate people about the teachings of their faith. He reiterated that "We are all Pakistanis, and we must thwart all kinds of conspiracies." He stressed that "There is no room for such incidents in any religion." Befitting compensation claims have been delivered by the Punjab government.

The interim Prime Minister consoled the Christian community by hugging and delivering the cheques for their collateral damages. His sincere sympathies has earned lots of appreciations in and around the globe.

Islam is unequivocal in its stance that violence has no place within its teachings. The essence of this faith is rooted in compassion, peace, and respect for all humanity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified these values through his actions, promoting dialogue, understanding, and forgiveness even in the face of adversity. 

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, underscores the sanctity of life and emphasizes the pursuit of justice through nonviolent means. Acts of violence is against the true teachings and the fundamental principles of Islam. True believers are called upon to uphold the teachings of mercy, kindness, and empathy towards all, reflecting the essence of a faith that rejects violence in all its forms.

The occurrence of this incident is profoundly distressing and disheartening, serving as a stark reminder of the ages of darkness. It stands as an ideal platform to our shared values of compassion, respect, and the recognition of each individual's inherent worth. Such occurrences must not find a place in our collective narrative, for they tarnish the very essence of a just and harmonious society.

Let us unite in our resolve to ensure that such brutal should not be happened again in our society. We should all jointly work to promote understanding, tolerance, and a commitment to nurturing an environment where every person is treated with dignity and accorded the security they deserve.

This article is written by Yushe Hassan Khan. The views expressed are her own views and do not represent/views of the Youth Diplomacy Forum.

Jaranwala Incident: A personal reflection 

Most recently, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has completed its first ten years. It was introduced by the Chinese president Xi back in 2013. It is now “responsib

Most recently, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has completed its first ten years. It was introduced by the Chinese president Xi back in 2013. It is now “responsible” for a new era of transit routes, trade, and growth for economies in Asia, Central Asia, ASEAN, Africa, the EU, and around the world.

 of the Belt and Road Initiative has brought great “positive” changes to Pakistan, which is reflected in the fields of economy, urban construction, and energy. In the future, it hopes to carry out broader cooperation with China in the fields of economic development, education, health, climate change, and so on. Moreover, CPEC Phase II would bring more “progress” and “prosperity” to the country in the days to come.

Chinese International Development Cooperation Agency:

Chinese International Development Cooperation Agency

 (CIDCA) has published that the Belt and Road Initiative has seen the completion of over 3,000 projects within the last ten years. This expansive effort has garnered support from more than 180 countries and international organizations which is a good omen for the regional as well as international economy. 

According to many published reports, the 

 has become a mega development project with US$4 trillion investment in more than 160 countries, 1590 projects of 1.9 trillion tagged to BRI, and 1574 projects of 2.1 t were Chinese investments. 

Main projects pertaining to infrastructure development, formation of corridors, rail & transport connectivity, ports, and railways in Western China, Central Asia, Western Asia, to Europe remained “strategic priorities” during the last ten years. Cargo trains run from Spain to China’s Western province Xingjian highlighting the increasing influence of China in the world.

Critical analysis reveals that during the last decade, the Belt and Road Initiative was confronted with a pandemic, Western constant & continued 

, so-called imperialistic designs, and the grabbing of natural and financial resources of the participating countries. Ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the US-initiated decoupling and de-risking along with the unilateral imposition of socio-economic, trade, tech, and punitive legal measures have also tried to stop the journey of the BRI in the world but despite it, the BRI has become an “ideal” engine of economic growth and stimulator of rail and transport connectivity in the world. 

Thus Chinese “Geo-Economics” is dominating over Geo-Politics which is a good omen. Moreover, Xi's numerous initiatives mainly the Shared Community, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilizational Initiative, and last but not least South-South Dialogue have become “new drivers of economic” stability and sustainability in the world and within the member countries of the BRI.

Geopolitically and geographically it is predicted that Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Gulf States (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar), Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Somalia, and many countries of the EU would be the main focus of BRI projects in the next decade creating a new window of opportunities of the befitting proposition. 

In this connection, it is estimated that Chinese brokered peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran would be a “New Launching Pad” for the BRI in the Middle East, GCC, and MENA in the next decade. 

Technologically and innovatively, it further forecasts that green financing, climate change, renewables (solar & wind), blue/green hydrogen energy production, lithium batteries, EV vehicles, hybrid cultivation/farming, disaster management, digitalization, e-commerce, big-data, quantum technologies, AI modernization, openness and last but not least, qualitative industrial cooperation would also be mainly focused in the next ten years under the flagship project of BRI.

Geo-economically, it is envisaged that BRI may increase global GDP up to 7 trillion annually increase of 5 percent for the next 10-15 years. International trade and investments in BRI may increase to 10 percent and 8 percent respectively. Resultantly, it may add a 3 percent increase in income growth and a 3 percent increase in the standard of living in all the participating countries of the BRI.

Financially, the inclusion of Islamic finances mainly Sukuk Bonds and Islamic Economies would play an important role in further expansion, development, strategic orientation, and utility of the BRI in the next decade.

With BRI’s core and periphery involving many Muslim-majority countries, it would naturally fit for Islamic finance to play an active role in the further expansion and development of the same particularly in infrastructure development/projects. 

Hong Kong's issuance of a Sukuk bond in 2014 it highlighted the chances of Islamic finance in the BRI. There has been further cooperation and collaboration in Sukuk bond of Malaysian and Qatari financial institutions in China. 

 2022, Islamic finance is worth US$3.6 trillion and has great potential to be used in BRI in the next decade. There is optimism about green financing through Sukuk issued by Indonesia, and Malaysia. 

It would be helpful for China to achieve its goals for carbon neutrality, footnote reduction, and further increase of Halal trade in the Muslim participating countries of the BRI in the next ten years.

Furthermore, the high capital intensity of BRI projects calls for innovative financing mechanisms that could lead to win-win scenarios. To promote economic cooperation and infrastructure construction of countries along the BRI, China has allocated considerable financial resources, which include the Silk Road Fund and the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank.

AIIB is a multilateral development bank that aims to finance infrastructure and capital projects in Asia and beyond. Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Bangladesh have been the key BRI beneficiaries. Collectively, these Muslim-majority countries occupy a strategic position along the BRI routes, and thus having a good relationship with the Islamic countries is critical for the successful implementation of the BRI for China in which Islamic finance would play an important role. 

In summary, Islamic finance receives growing interest, even in non-Muslim countries. World Bank (2017) upholds that the inherent structure of the Islamic banking system and its link to the real economy makes it a stable financing system. The IMF (2010) concluded that Islamic banks showed stronger resilience during the financial crisis. 

In the light of ongoing development of bilateral economic and trade cooperation between the Islamic World and China, banking and financial cooperation opportunities will continue to increase. Many conventional financial institutions in China started to engage in Islamic financial transactions: for example, Chongqing-based Southwest Security signed an agreement with Qatar National Bank (QNB) and Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB) in 2015 to develop Shariah-compliant finance products. 

It is good omen that since the launch of the BRI in 2013, Chinese banks have made efforts to establish outbound Islamic financing frameworks and the cooperation between AIIB with Islamic Development Bank (IDB) is the prime example of it providing infrastructure financing facilities to Islamic countries.

Moreover, People’s Bank of China also became an associate member of Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) in 2009 thus moving towards further strengthening of Islamic finance cooperation in the next ten years of the BRI. 

Interestingly, in 2009, Ningxia Bank launched a pilot project for Islamic finance offering Islamic banking for the local residents and businesses which should be further institutionalized in the days to come.

It is suggested that Islamic financing could provide China with a financing facility that is tailored to investment requirements and operational needs. 

Geo-political & Geo-economic Impact of BRI: critical analysis

Women in Global Diplomacy Since the creation and adoption of the United Nations Charter in 1945, women have played a significant role in world administration. Half o

Since the creation and adoption of the United Nations Charter in 1945, women have played a significant role in world administration. Half of the world’s population is made up of women and girls, who also hold half of the world’s potential. The contribution of women to diplomacy is enormous. Their priorities, leadership styles, and areas of expertise increase the range of issues being thought about and improve the caliber of results. 

The UN General Assembly is the biggest gathering of world leaders each year. Even though the UNGA has hosted a number of pivotal moments for gender equality, there is still much to be done to increase women’s involvement and representation. In the 77-year history of the UN General Assembly, only four women have been elected as its president. 

The maintenance of global peace and security is primarily the duty of the 15-member UN Security Council. Even though women currently make up somewhat more than one-third of Security Council members, far more than the average, it is still far from sufficient. Look into the presence of women in the Security Council.

Diplomacy has traditionally been a man’s domain. Although women have long been important players in diplomacy, their contributions are frequently underappreciated. It’s time to acknowledge and applaud the ways in which women are dismantling stereotypes and influencing the world of diplomacy. 

In their constitutions, 143 nations as of 2014 guaranteed equality between men and women; 52 others have not yet taken this significant step. Promoting more women in positions of authority will significantly influence and carry out global objectives.

Women made for 13% of negotiators, 6% of mediators, and 6% of signatories in international peace processes between 1992 and 2019. Progress toward all of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets will be greatly aided by gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

It is essential to consistently incorporate a gender perspective into the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, particularly in light of SDG 5’s call for women to participate equally in decision-making.

At the UNGA’s 76th Session, the General Assembly by consensus declared the 24th of June each year to be the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.

) the Assembly invited all Member States, United Nations organizations, non-governmental groups, academic institutions, and associations of women diplomats — where they exist — to observe the Day in a manner that each considers most appropriate, including through education and public awareness-raising.  

women in diplomacy and politics in Pakistan

A number of significant “firsts” in female foreign policy leadership can be found in Pakistan, including the first female prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, who served as the first female leader of the Muslim world in 1988, the first female permanent representative to the UN, Maleeha Lodhi, in 2015, the first female foreign minister, Hina Rabbani Khar, in 2011, the first female minister of human rights, Shireen Mazari in 2018, first female Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Minister, Sania Nishtar in 2018, and the first female Lieutenant-General, Nigar Johar in 2020, among others.

Through their leadership skills, Pakistani women have made significant diplomatic contributions to the world. They have committed to supporting a variety of fields, including as politics, business, academia, architecture, and efforts to advance peace and stability.

They have represented Pakistan internationally, dispelling stereotypes and empowering women all around the world. Their support has been given as a gift to improve Pakistan’s reputation abroad and to advance human rights, gender equality, and diversity. The advancement of Pakistan is greatly aided by the exceptional contributions made by Pakistani women in diplomacy.

Numerous Pakistani women have established thriving businesses and organizations. They have also been in charge of initiatives to support global education and health. These women inspire young girls to follow their dreams and ambitions and pave the path for future generations.

Women’s inclusion in peacebuilding processes is essential for long-term success. This is proven. Gender-equal participation contributes to longer and lasting peace. 

As an illustration, Sherry Rehman, Pakistan’s minister for the environment, has made Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential persons in the world in 2023. She promoted the undeveloped nations that are most susceptible to climate change while bearing the least responsibility for it at COP27, the United Nations climate summit held in Egypt last November. Sherry Rehman and others worked hard to get the world leaders to make the historic decision to start a new 

The significance of women’s roles in addressing global concerns has been emphasized by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar. She emphasized the significance of the voice of women leaders in addressing issues of international peace, security, and development, in particular the efforts to combat, mitigate, and adapt to Climate Change, during a speech on “Feminist Foreign Policy” at an event hosted by the German Foreign Minister on the fringes of the 

Minister For Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety: 

Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Chairperson Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Shazia Marri in a conference said women's empowerment and education through Digital literacy would revolutionize Pakistan’s economy and GDP at an unprecedented level.

Addressing the ceremony, the minister said this is a revolution that Pakistan needs through digital literacy and training on the internet’s positive and constructive usage.

The federal minister after listening to the success stories of the two female beneficiaries of the Internet Dost project said these two smart and talented women of Pakistan Aqsa Abbasi and Kaneez Fatima told us their success stories achieved through the initiative of Google and NRS.

“You have changed the lives of your families and communities and I am thankful to you for coming here after facing all odds”, she said.

Shazia Marri also presented her example as a woman bringing change in her constituency by winning the National Assembly by-election through the direct vote and bringing a revolution against the prevailing old taboos and ill mindset.

Pakistani women in civil society throughout the decades, such as the historian Rubina Saigol, human rights activist Sabeen Mahmud, and digital activist and lawyer Nighat Dad, have been systematically pushed to the periphery. 

Pakistan has a long and illustrious history of sending blue helmets to UN peacekeeping missions, and it has sent the third-largest contingent of men overall since the program’s inception in 1960.

78 Pakistan Army women peacekeepers are currently serving in various capacities around the world under the auspices of the UN, carrying on the proud tradition of the Pakistani Armed Forces.

Pakistan Army women peacekeepers are serving as part of Female Engagement Teams (FETs) and as staff officers at various headquarters. Pakistan was also the first country to deploy female engagement teams to Congo on June 19, 2019.

Apart from two female engagement teams in Congo, a third team would commence operations in March in the Central African Republic. So far, around 450 women peacekeepers from Pakistan have served in UN missions. The women peacekeepers from Pakistan have won numerous accolades, including tributes at the UN and medals for exceptional performances and services rendered.

Two Pakistani women, Yasmeen Durrani, and Naila Alam, have received recognition from the White House for their humanitarian activities. The beneficiaries of the 

 run a charitable organization called “Express Care” which aims to give low-income people access to daily necessities like food and medicine. The group offers employment assistance as well.

The Youth Diplomacy Forum pays glowing tribute to women diplomats of Pakistan and the world over for their invaluable services while representing their countries and proving themselves the icon of professionalism. The advancement of Pakistan is greatly aided by the exceptional contributions made by Pakistani women in diplomacy. 

Women in Diplomacy 

Poisoned chalice: The western media has been purposely propagating against BRI in Algeria and terming it as so-called poisoned chalice which does not have any eviden

The western media has been purposely propagating against BRI in Algeria and terming it as so-called poisoned chalice which does not have any evidence or scientific substance. It has been icon of socio-economic prosperity.

In this regard, both countries have now entered into a new stage of holistic development, and they intend to deepen cooperation in the diverse sectors of economy, trade, investment, energy, mining, and infrastructure construction under the BRI framework, so to achieve common development which will also benefit other developing countries. Algeria is also prepared to work with China to promote trilateral cooperation with Africa. 

China-Algeria Comprehensive strategic cooperation:

Moreover, both parties agreed to speed up consultations on signing the five-year plan for China-Algeria comprehensive strategic cooperation and the implementation plan for jointly constructing the BRI.

Interestingly, China is involved with the development of Algeria’s El-Hamdania Central Port, which will be Algeria’s largest and first deep water port and the second deep-water port in Africa.

It is located 90 miles from Algiers, Algeria terms the Port of El Hamdania as a regional hub for North Africa in the Mediterranean, competing with Morocco’s Tangier-Med Port. It will have a capacity of 25 million tons per year and 23 terminals capable of handling up to 6.5 million 20-foot containers.

With a project budget of US$3.3 billion, international port development and equipment companies should monitor procurement opportunities for computer systems and software; design and planning services; dredging; security systems, services, and technology; terminal technologies and systems; and vessel traffic information systems.

Furthermore, Chinese companies have become Algeria’s preferred partners for infrastructure projects, and include the 

, a US$12 billion contract for a half of the 1,216 km highway which connects Algeria with neighboring Morocco and Tunisia. The six-lane Chinese build section was completed by CITIC-CRCC. 

About 1,000 Chinese companies operate in Algeria, assisted by the Algerian Governments waiving of the 51/49 ownership rule (for non-strategic sectors).  The government has identified key areas where Algeria can leverage its competitive advantage, including solar energy, phosphates, gold, uranium, zinc, and iron ore resources vital for the development of both Algeria and China. 

Additionally, Algeria is a member of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which has been commenced and has largely abolished all intra-African trade tariffs. It means that ports such as El Hamdania will flourish as Free Trade Zones will also be part of these developments. It further means that component parts can be imported duty free, matched with African sourced products, with finished products either re-exported or sold back onto the African continental market. 

Algerian-China trade has been growing in recent years, with China overtaking France as the largest exporter of goods to the country in 2019. China exports about US$7.9 billion to Algeria, with Algeria exporting US$1.2 billion to China. The two countries signed a 

China and Algeria signed a plan for cooperation in key areas during the 2022-2024. The signing of the cooperation plan is a significant move to enhance China-Algeria collaboration within the framework of the 

China and Algeria will establish a committee to jointly pitch prospective cooperation projects in the six key areas of transportation, energy and minerals, manufacturing and R&D, information technology, financial services and medical services to enterprises of the two countries.

Enterprises and financial institutions of the two countries are encouraged to join hands in the research, implementation and operation stages of the prioritized projects so as to promote common development, said the NDRC announcement. 

The Algerian-Chinese Fertilizer Company, created in 2022 between the two complexes". Algeria's Asmidal and Algérie Mines and the two Chinese companies, Wuhuan and Tian An, will operate the phosphate mine in the province of Tébessa in the far east of the country, and will carry out the chemical transformation of phosphate and natural gas and the manufacture of phosphate and nitrogen fertilisers and chemical products in the province of Souk Ahras. 

China's increasing investments in Algeria in the energy and logistics sector show China's desire to transform economies and communities of Maghreb especially Algeria. In this regard, Algeria's application to join the BRICS is worth noting.

China and Russia have already expressed their willingness for Algeria to join the BRICS, and negotiations are continuing to move forward with this initiative, confirming the North African country's desire to look increasingly towards Asia and reposition itself on the international stage.

According to latest report more than 150 countries and 32 international organizations have signed cooperation documents with China under the BRI framework. More than 3,000 projects have been completed with an investment of nearly $1 trillion. The project 10000 villages in Africa have also been successfully completed. Moreover, most of the participants are developing countries, and the BRI connects these countries to markets all over the world, not just to China. 

According to the published reports of the World Bank, transportation infrastructure projects under the BRI, if fully implemented, are expected to generate $1.6 trillion in benefits annually by 2030 accounting for 1.3 percent of global GDP. Of these benefits, 90 percent will go to partner countries, with low-income and lower-middle-income countries being the biggest beneficiaries.

Thus western false and fake propaganda dubbing the BRI as a debt trap has no value because China values long-term economic and social benefits over short-term return.

To conclude, there is an urgent need to accept inclusion of Algeria in the strategic expansion plan of the BRICS. Moreover, China should encourage developing Algerian SMEs, agriculture, green energy, hydro-power generation, mining, mineral, infrastructure development and last but not least, human development and tourism cooperation in the days to come which would create befitting propositions for both the countries and their respective private companies in the days to come.  

The policy makers of China should also help Algerian government to expedite its Vision 2030 and 2035 enabling it to achieve all desired goals of socio-economic prosperity, greater regional connectivity and qualitative life in the days to come. 

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune reaffirmed its government strong commitment to deepen cooperation with China in various fields under the framework of the BRI.

Interestingly, China stands ready to join hands with Algeria to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and uphold international justice.

The mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries has great potential and space for development, Wang said, adding that China encourages its enterprises to invest and do business in Algeria.

China is willing to work with Algeria to translate their high-level political mutual trust into tangible results of cooperation, help Algeria accelerate the pace of industrialization, and enhance its capacity for independent development under the flagship project of the BRI. 

BRI and Algeria

Belt and Road Initiative: Undoubtedly, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has the potential to open up new development pathways through infrastructure developmen

Undoubtedly, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has the potential to open up new development pathways through infrastructure development, stimulating investment and job creation and promoting economic transformation in Ethiopia.

Under BRI China is cooperating with Ethiopia in infrastructure, green economy, agriculture and industrial park construction. All these mega projects are producing remarkable results, helping Ethiopia to rank among the fastest-growing economies in Africa. Ethiopian government welcomes more and more Chinese companies and enterprises to invest and do business in Ethiopia which is good omen for the further development, scope, utility and strategic importance of the BRI in this country. 

Interestingly, Ethiopia has vision 2030, which has been dubbed an African Beacon of prosperity. It prepared ten-year perspective development plan which has six strategic pillars comprising of  ensuring quality growth, improving productivity and competitiveness, undertaking institutional transformation, ensuring private sectors leadership in the economy, ensuring equitable participation of women and children, building climate resilient green economy.

It also sets numerous short, medium and long terms goals mainly structural reforms in macro-economy, natural resources, human capital, physical capital, unexploited growth potential, increased demand, political capital, continental and regional integrations and technology. 

It has main areas of further development in agriculture, manufacturing, mining; service sector and tourism enabling sectors, energy, transport, sustainable finance, innovation and technology, urban development, irrigation, human capital development. The plan focuses to bring nationally, regionally and locally balanced and competitive development. It has also launched and implemented homegrown economic reform agenda with the goal to safeguard macro financial stability and rebalance and sustain economic growth in which BRI would play an important role because of its rigorous engagement with its government and other organs of the state and departments.

The Ethiopian 2030 is an ambitious plan to achieve middle-income status and reach a per capita income of $2,220 by 2030. The plan seeks to achieve this via targeted economic growth of 10.2 percent period over the period. 

Moreover, China and Ethiopia established diplomatic relations more than half a century ago the two countries have always helped each other and moved forward side by side.

In this regard, China supports Ethiopia in pursuing a development path suited to its own national conditions. Leaders of the two countries have maintained close exchanges in recent years, charting the course for the development of China-Ethiopia relations under the new circumstances.

 is ready to deepen and expand bilateral cooperation in various fields and encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Ethiopia and participate in Ethiopia's reconstruction. Qin Gang foreign minister of China while on his maiden visit to African continent expressed his hope that Ethiopia will provide a sound business environment and take effective measures to protect the security and safety as well as the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese personnel and institutions.

Since the 1970s the two countries have signed almost 60 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs), including on economic and technological cooperation, trade, investment, taxation, transport and defense. In 2018 the two countries signed a MoU on cooperation within the framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative. 

China is an important economic partner for Ethiopia. It is the second largest importer of Ethiopian goods and the largest source of Ethiopian imports over 24 percent of the goods imported by Ethiopia in 2018 came from China.

Ethiopian exports to China are dominated by agricultural products (mainly oil seeds) and are largely undiversified. Ethiopian imports from China, on the contrary, are diversified and cover all sectors mainly garments and textiles (including inputs to the textile industry), but also machinery, plastic products, iron and steel. In terms of investment, Ethiopia is the fifth largest destination for Chinese FDI stock on the African continent, after South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and Zambia. 

Over the period 2003-2019, Chinese FDI stocks in Ethiopia grew more than 500-fold, from less than $5 million to over $2.5 billion. Almost 70 percent of China’s FDI to Ethiopia in the period 1998-2016 was directed towards manufacturing, followed by construction contracting 13 percent and real estate, machinery rental and consultancy 12 percent.  

The main lending institutions are China Export-Import Bank (Eximbank), with 56 percent of loans, followed by Chinese telecommunications companies, both partially state-owned, such as Zhongxing Telecommunication Equipment Corporation (ZTE, 17%), and private, such as Huawei (6%); Chinese SOEs; commercial banks; and China Development Bank (CDB). These loans mainly went to finance infrastructure projects, primarily transport (35%), power (24%), communications (22%) and industry (15%). 

Ethiopia is Africa’s second most populous state

, with over 110 million people, and one of the world’s fastest-growing economies over the last decade. As domestic policies have shifted the focus from agriculture-led to manufacturing-led growth, GDP growth has been accompanied by structural transformation, with non-traditional sectors of economy.

Most of the population is employed in relatively low value-added sectors, and the four most productive sectors of the economy (transport, construction, mining and utilities) employ around 5% of the population.

Over the past two decades Ethiopia has sought to increase exports. Growth in exports of transport services and logistics has been driven by Ethiopian Airlines Business Group, which has become a world leading enterprise with a diversified business portfolio. Exports grew six-fold between 2000 and 2017, with services exports making up a large part of the increase.