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ISLAMABAD, Dec. 3-- Since the inception of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan has been witnessing an uNPRecedented upward trajectory in the socio-economic domain, with a major uplift in the energy sector and transportation infrastructure over the past six years. Back in 2013, Pakistan was under acute energy crisis when the local industry was relocating to the neighboring countries, and some parts of the country were witnessing electricity load shedding of even 18 to 20 hours in a day. With the implementation of CPEC energy projects, Pakistan is now almost a load shedding free country. Similarly in 2013, the transport network was in dilapidated condition, causing an annual loss of about 3.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product, according to local media. Under the first phase of CPEC, the transportation infrastructure has improved considerably through integrated road networks and upgradation of railways. China is investing billions of dollars in Pakistan through CPEC which is now entering its second phase, focusing on industrialization, agriculture and socio-economic development. Local economists believe that the second phase of CPEC will act as a stimulus for Pakistan's economic growth. Yasir Masood, director of media and publications at the CPEC Center of Excellence, an Islamabad-based think tank under Pakistan's Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform, told Xinhua that the second phase has all the contours and the right strategies which will enable Pakistan's economy to take off by industrialization, technology transfer, innovation, agriculture modernization, trade and market access, blue economy, regional connectivity and third party or multiparty participation in different sectors. | 
