Gwadar Port a symbol of development and prosperity

COPHC says some 20 firms in different businesses have joined Gwadar free zone with direct investment of over $460m

ISLAMABAD: The developed infrastructure under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is bringing stimulus to the Pakistani economy, creating jobs and improving business by starting a constructive process.

This was stated by Pakistan Television anchor Yasir Rehman on Friday.



He said, "Uninterrupted power supply is helping industries increase production, creating an ideal atmosphere for Pakistan's economy. With the functionalised Gwadar Port, CPEC will benefit every common Pakistani.”

Gwadar, the ending point of CPEC, which was once an ignored small sluggish fishing town located at the Arabian Sea in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, is now witnessing a wave of development projects which are creating new opportunities for employment and business.

The Gwadar Port, with the fully functional port terminal, regular cargo service, free zone and business centre is a symbol of future development and prosperity of Pakistan.



According to China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC), the port's operator, some 20 companies in different businesses have already joined the Gwadar free zone with direct investment of over $460 million.

Gwadar's local people are feeling the development impetus triggered by the rapidly developing port, construction of new roads, establishment and upgrading of educational institutions and hospitals, construction of a new international airport and installation of water purification plants.

Thousands of people, from labourers to businessmen, have migrated from across the country to Gwadar to grab emerging opportunities for business and employment since the launch of CPEC.

According to Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing, Chinese companies under CPEC projects have provided over 100,000 jobs to local people and have helped to uplift their living standards through social welfare works, including restoring and establishing schools and technical training centres, providing health facilities, and sending hundreds of youngsters to China for further study.



Former minister for planning, development and reform Ahsan Iqbal hailed CPEC as it has brought actual positive changes in the lives of millions of Pakistanis.

"CPEC is a national agenda and has been put into implementation in record time due to the solid commitment of both Pakistani and Chinese leadership," said Iqbal.