Game changer Maritime Silk Route

Revival OF MARITIME SILK ROUTE

Silk Route Philosophy was based on bringing trade and regional peace. The magnificent route not only gave road to enormous trade, facilitated connectivity in the region. Different cultural dimensions which include South Asia, Southeast Asia, West Asia and Africa are linked through this route. This connectivity not only improves geo-strategic position of China but even brings economic development throughout the region. This route has helped in economic facilitation and development of great civilizations of Asia and Rome and has many folds of great events associated with it.

Decline of Silk Route

The decline of Mangol Empire and discovery of sea-route from Europe to Asia in fifteenth century was a deathblow for the overland silk route. Then, after this the new silk road emerged on the sea which linked East and West. This Maritime route brought a new wave of dynamic trade, economic development and fostered peace. However, when Qing dynasty, banned the maritime trade in its era the Maritime silk route eventually fade away.

Need for Maritime Silk Road Revival

The concept of Maritime Silk Route revival and optimistic attitude by the new leadership of China is being denoted as a great strategy. Let me highlight the key benefits for China by reviving this concept below:

China will have once again Eurasia clear experienced route with innovative technology to trade and multicultural interactions.

• China will have strategic access and greater economic expansion.
• China can have access to energy corridors and other natural resources.
• China will have unique strategic diplomatic relations throughout.
• China can build its naval forces along its ports throughout the sea.
• Indeed China will dominate the sea without having hardly any competition and hurdles.

The Maritime Silk Route will bring prosperity to Pakistan

Pakistan and China share good friendly relations. The revival of maritime silk route will bring immense benefit to our country. The Gawadar Port will be an eminent player and will bring lot of trade for our country. Further, China would even use Gawadar for its trading aspects which would be again beneficial for our country. Moreover, Pakistan will export its live stock, coal, seafood, rice, wheat, cement, shale oil and other commodities to China and other countries. Furthermore, employment rate would increase, new ideas and foreign investments would come in our country. On the other hand, this port can bring landlocked countries that are rich in energy a gateway to become part of this Maritime silk route. All these economic activities will bring immense win-win situation for the region and Pakistan. However, Pakistan can aggressively promote its economic policies and can be saved from the hegemony of external forces which manipulates country’s internal policies. Hence, the overland Silk route and Maritime Silk route will be a game changer for the whole region as it will certainly bring cultural and economic integration.