What is the CEPD?

The Center of Economic Planning and Development (CEPD) is established to improve economic decision-making by identifying policy challenges and designing and advising on high-impact policy reforms based on empirical evidence. CEPD conducts empirical research, surveys, analytics, and advisory services with a special focus on Pakistan. It is believed that the academic-industry proximity is crucial for innovation, efficiency, and long-term growth. The CEPD facilitates interaction between faculty, entrepreneurs, scholars, students, and industry to improve research opportunities, academic excellence, and market-based solutions to complex problems. The Centre offers advisory services to businesses and industries to assist them in exploring new markets and increasing productivity. The CEPD uses a variety of online forums, including blogs, social media interactions, and webinars, to disseminate research information.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) index ranks Pakistan 125th out of 163 countries, with score of 59.3. The CEPD evaluate economic policies, federal and provincial budgets, and significant economic activities to formulate recommendations for national economic policy to achieve the SDGs. We contribute to sustainable development by providing data-driven policy formulation to elevate poverty and inequality. The power imbalances and extractive nature of Pakistan's institutions are viewed as the most significant impediments to sustainable development. CEPD plays its role for institutional reforms to enhance the efficiency and productivity of agriculture, industry, trade, mineral resources, urbanization, maritime affairs, and the environment.