Jinan (Xinhua): Pakistani scholar Syed Jamal Khan has emphasized China’s rapid economic growth and its global benefits. In his latest co-authored book, “Winds from the East: How the Belt and Road Initiative is Connecting Continents and Creating Economic Opportunities,” Khan explores how the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is strengthening global trade, infrastructure, and investment across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Syed Jamal Khan’s Research and Contributions
Khan, a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of International Studies at Shandong University, has been living in China since 2017. He joined the university in Weihai in 2022 and currently 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 Khan’s contributions, highlighting his multiple high-level research publications and active participation in international conferences over the past two years. These efforts have significantly strengthened academic ties between China and Pakistan, fostering greater collaboration among scholars.
Insights from Eight Years in China
In an interview with Xinhua, Khan reflected on his experiences in China, describing his time as highly enriching. He praised China’s rich culture, vibrant cities, traditional festivals, breathtaking landscapes, and cutting-edge technological advancements.
As an expert in international trade, developmental economics, and trade policies, Khan provides a valuable perspective on China’s rapid transformation.
“I have witnessed China’s remarkable progress, from rapid economic development to world-class infrastructure and technology-driven innovations. China’s growth is a testament to its strategic vision, innovation-driven policies, and commitment to sustainable development,” he stated.
China’s Leadership in Renewable Energy
Khan also acknowledged China’s leadership in green energy, emphasizing its emergence as a global powerhouse in renewable energy technologies.
“China is making significant investments in solar, wind, and electric vehicle technologies. These advancements in clean energy not only help combat climate change but also drive economic growth by creating new industries and job opportunities,” he said.
CPEC’s Transformative Impact
Discussing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Khan shared a personal observation about its impact on infrastructure development. He recalled how, in the past, traveling the 120-kilometer journey from his hometown Hazara to Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, took six hours due to traffic congestion and poor road conditions. Infrastructure improvements under CPEC have drastically reduced travel time, showcasing the initiative’s role in enhancing connectivity and boosting economic growth.
