KARACHI: A Russian researcher has described China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a game changer for the region.

Reading her paper “The state of Pakistan’s economy: issues and challenges in the 21st century” at an international conference in Karachi, Dr Natalia Zamaraeva, senior researcher at the Institute of Oriental Studies at Russian Science Academy in Moscow, said CPEC encompasses the fields of railways, highways, steel, automotive, electricity, engineering, high technology, and environmental projects.

The Russian scholar said China is willing to assist in implementing several priority infrastructure projects in a bid to establish a long-term, stable partnership with Pakistan.

She said implementation of CPEC will contribute to the country’s GDP by three percent.

Speaking on the occasion, Russian Consul General Oleg N. Avdeev stressed the need of enhanced interaction between Pakistani and Russian business community to promote trade and economic ties.