Socio-economic Expectations of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at Business Community Level. A Case Study of Lahore’s Four Markets, Pakistan

Abstract

Development and projects brings the prosperity to the communities. Especially mega projects can become the cause of development not only for communities also for marginal groups of the society. These projects make the standard of life higher, alleviate the poverty, controlling the crimes, enhancing the power of state, and upgrade the level of small-scale industry and improving the GDP of states. With this mega project first of all sea port is going established an important port moreover many roads, pipelines, dams, transportation and electric companies in Pakistan. Development induced new innovations, acculturations, cultural diffusions and socio- economic positions of local communities. Lacks of adequate agreement often make the marginal communities homeless and jobless for the rest of their life. Qualitative research design was used and sample was taken through non probability purposive sampling technique. Semi-structured, in depth interviews were conducted with 8 local businessmen of Lahore who were working with Chinese production and directly gaining products from China. By using thematic analysis 8 themes were came out with 3 subcategories. With CPEC they get more benefits, easy transportation, easy access of doing business and acculturations. Local businessmen showed great interest in CPEC project and they are fully excited to enhance their business with this mega project. Business community should be motivated for supporting their business with easy rules and regulation with this mega project.