Asian economic progress depends upon access to the world markets and distribution of goods. Under-developed nations like Pakistan have geographic limitations which the major industrial nations have overcome. The expansion of Chinese, European, Russian, and US railways is among the bases of their superior capacity relative to most of the rest of the world. Inland waterways are essential to the major industrial nations, and they have the best of those. Roadways are constantly being improved and maintained. Airports are assiduously planned to be top notch. Seaports provide to a nation not only access to international markets but also increase naval ability to protect its vital sea lanes.
For Pakistan to have even a slight chance of catching up to the major players in the world, two big things must happen, one of which is only partially within it’s ability to influence: rail and roads through its borders must expand, especially to the East and West, and the Indian Ocean nations must all themselves be lifted out of third and second world status. The former is, of course, a long term endeavour, and the latter is a very long term endeavour. The improvement of sea ports and air ports, while expensive, are comparatively minor projects which can be started immediately.
The doors to markets within the Asian world are closed and at present they lead to a cluttered room to Pakistan’s east, and vacant lots to the north and west. China’s plan to build road and rail access through Myanmar is an opportunity to link to those and improve distribution to China itself. There is a need to rethink the strategic importance of Afghanistan in Pakistan’s future. Rail and road links to Afghanistan, Iran and other regions in this direction are a must. From there the European and African markets and goods will be around the corner. Not only that but also the Central Asia and Russia would be in easy access.
This outline of a plan for the emergence of Asia into the rich neighbourhood of the major industrial nations is beyond the capacity of one nation alone to accomplish. There must be partnership among the powerful nations along the route, from China to Africa. The nations which are already in that neighbourhood have had decades and centuries of road building and rail building head start. The aspirations of Asian populations to have a better life can be fulfilled, but it is primarily an aspiration for their posterity to be on a level with the major industrial powers. A clear vision of the long term future and how to get there is not so hard, but the limitations of focusing on short term goals are locking Asia in a room with no windows.
KIRAN KHAN
Lahore