Impact of CPEC on Pakistan's HSE Job Climate

Pakistan - a land of opportunities & country of millions of talented youth ready to change the destiny of country - over the last few years , the profession of HSE ( health & safety & environment ) has risen rapidly & helped countless people earn their bread & butter . unfortunately , like other professions , this sector has also been victim of brain drain due to sluggish economic pace - fortunately , bad days are over & an economic revolution ready to kiss Pakistan's land soon in shape of CPEC ( Pak- china economic corridor ) . but HSE community still unaware of treasure trove of CPEC . this article is an attempt to convey chief information regarding CPEC & its impact on HSE profession in Pakistan . let's review the back ground first . 

 Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Pakistan in 2015 to lay the foundation of the CPEC. The first phase of the economic corridor is focused on $45.6 billion worth of energy and infrastructure projects. China’s state-owned banks would finance Chinese companies to fund, build and operate $45.6 billion worth of energy and infrastructure projects in Pakistan over the next six years. The transport and communication infrastructure is the main aim of this project, which includes a road project of 2,700 kilometers from Gwadar on the Arabian Sea to the Khunjerab Pass at the China-Pakistan border. Two roots on eastern and western front will be developed in Pakistan. Some coal power projects will also be made in different areas to tackle the power shortage in Pakistan. The overall outlook of the CPEC suggests that in the coming years Pakistan’s major economic problems will be over and Pakistan will stand with other Asian Economic Tigers. Is the CPEC alone enough to resolve economic issues? This is one of the most-asked questions regarding the CPEC.

As people lacking information on CPEC & its impact , let's have some basic info on what actual CPEC is ? 

The CPEC basically is a physical infrastructure-based project. Roads and power plants are two vital parts of this project. Is economic growth or progress only dependent on physical infrastructure? This is an important question that needs to be addressed. The answer can be found looking at the modern world. Most of the developed or high-income nations give importance to development of human capital and institutional development. They spend a great deal on education; economic progress is impossible without innovation. Even the Chinese model of development also emphasises a lot on research and education.

Pakistan is still following the traditional model of economic growth, mainly Harrod-Domar model, which explains growth rate with savings and productivity level of the capital. This is the most traditional approach towards economic growth. The modern approach towards economic growth has been changed. The world is focusing more on human capital. Another new etymology is the role of institutions.

It is true that due to the CPEC a large amount of investment will come to Pakistan, and the physical infrastructure will give new opportunities to the people. But we need to improve our system to fully leverage CPEC . 

Due to huge economic activities , large number of qualified & experienced HSE professionals will be required & HSE profession as a whole , will foster . that is the reason , the American Society of Safety Engineers ( ASSE ) has allowed to form Pakistan's chapter & this chapter is working aggressively to raise professionals standards in Pakistan . 

WorkSafe Pakistan has also been registered - this First NGO in HSE sector will work to promote safety culture at Pakistan's workplace at large . WorkSafe Pakistan expected to launch by the end of this year . professionals in Pakistan are impatiently waiting this not-for-profit organization . 

Another major development is Safecon which is based at Karachi & committed to produce world class HSE professionals at all levels . besides international qualifications , Safecon is developing own qualifications to meet job market demands on international scale - Safecon is synonym for trust & in a very short span , this has become first choice for all training courses in the field of health ,safety & qualification . 

If you need further information on CPEC & HSE Profession , do not hesitate to contact by email i.e [email protected]. 

Your comments will be welcomed .