Mubashir Turk
AMIDST the global chaos caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing uncertainties in the international arena, China is taking bold steps to reduce its international isolation and stimulate economic growth. One key focus of China’s developmental strategy is encapsulated in the theme of the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS): “Openness leads to development, cooperation creates a win-win future.” This theme reflects China’s commitment to fostering sustainable development. On the global stage, China is rapidly expanding its political space in the realm of economic development. The transition from a unipolar world to a more multilateral framework, coupled with the rise of protectionist measures in the West, has sparked a profound debate over global developmental politics. China’s response, characterized by its commitment to openness and cooperation, stands as an alternative model of development. The 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) represents a multifaceted dimension of China’s global engagement. On one side, it embodies economic development and innovation, while on the other, it serves as a political and diplomatic response to the prevailing unipolar world order and counters the Eurocentric developmental model. China’s socialist ideology in the 21st century has gained widespread appeal among the world’s eight billion inhabitants, offering a vision of sustainable development through harmonious coexistence, multilateralism and the preservation of cultural heritage. CIFTIS has been a platform for promoting sustainable development not only within China but also on the global stage. Over the years, it has attracted a diverse array of participants from around the world, including over 500 Global Fortune 500 companies and industry-leading enterprises. This internationalization reflects China’s commitment to fostering global economic integration and cooperation. Inspiring from China’s initiative for global sustainable development, a group of young professionals from Pakistan established Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD) – a think tank to carry-out research and advocacy on sustainable development along Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). CPEC projects necessitate a skilled workforce, prompting investment in technical and vocational education. This equips young adults with industry-relevant skills, enhancing their employability and career prospects within CPEC endeavors. CPEC fosters the rise of new businesses and industries, creating a fertile ground for young entrepreneurs. Government initiatives like the CPEC Youth Entrepreneurship Program empower aspiring young minds with financial aid, mentorship, and incubation facilities, nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit. Additionally, numerous job opportunities emerge across various CPEC sectors, from infrastructure development to logistics and transportation. CPEC acts as a catalyst for technological adoption and innovation in Pakistan. This exposure to cutting-edge technologies prepares young people for future jobs, while also enabling them to contribute their own innovative ideas to CPEC projects. This fosters a culture of digital literacy and equips them to thrive in the technology-driven world. CPEC prioritizes infrastructure development in remote and underdeveloped areas of Pakistan. This improves access to education, healthcare, and other essential services, uplifting the lives of young people residing in these regions. Moreover, CPEC-funded social development initiatives create opportunities for youth participation in community development projects, fostering a sense of ownership and civic engagement. China’s counter to Eurocentric hegemony lies in its “Corridor for Sustainable Development” initiative, guided by the principles of openness leading to development and cooperation creating a win-win future. This initiative seeks to provide an inclusive and equitable path to development that embraces diversity, respects sovereignty and promotes mutual benefits. It is grounded in the belief that global peace and prosperity can only be achieved through harmonious coexistence and a multilateral approach and it serves as an antidote to the divisive and exploitative nature of the Eurocentric model. The BRICS Summit 2023 exemplifies the growing global interest in multilateralism and China’s vision of development. China’s counter developmental hegemony represents a paradigm shift away from the Eurocentric developmental model that has dominated the world for centuries. Grounded in principles of multilateralism, cooperation and cultural preservation, China’s approach offers a path to sustainable development that resonates with a diverse and globalized world. The recent BRICS meeting and the participation in CIFTIS underscore the growing international support for China’s vision. In the pursuit of global peace and prosperity, harmonious coexistence and a multilateral approach, as championed by socialist China, may prove to be the key to a more equitable and just world order for all.
