Chinese firms refused land ownership: CM

Says land will be provided only on lease or rent


Mohammad Zafar November 08, 2018
Jam Kamal Khan, PHOTO: EXPRESS TRIBUNE

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan has said the provincial government has denied land ownership to Chinese companies.

Talking to the media on Wednesday at the conclusion of his five-day visit to China along with Prime Minister Imran Khan, he said the government wanted equal share in the province’s land resources. He revealed that Chinese companies had been pressurising for land ownership in Gwadar.

Kaml said the government would not compromise on the natural resources of the province, calling them the ‘only assets of Balochistan’.

 

Potential of natural resources to be unlocked: Kamal

He termed his visit to China as a ‘successful experience’.

The CM said that during a recent meeting, the provincial cabinet had decided to provide land to Chinese companies only on lease or rent. He said unless the revenue structure in Balochistan was revamped, the coming governments would keep facing financial issues.

He said the foreign companies willing to invest in Balochistan would have to hold meetings with the provincial government. He added that the federal government was playing the role of facilitator and partner in this regard.

Kamal said that during the Shanghai Export Expo, he came to know of which resources in Balochistan had a great potential for the Chinese markets.

He announced that the government would conduct a roadshow in China in two months to win the confidence of Chinese companies for investment. He called for solid policy and planning to attract investment from Chinese companies.

Potential of natural resources to be unlocked: Kamal

“Balochistan’s natural resources and geographical location give us an edge for securing foreign investment,” he added.

Referring to the financial crisis in Balochistan, he said the government needed Rs400 billion to complete development projects under the Public Sector Development Fund (PSDP). He claimed that the Balochistan government had been reducing expenditures and was confident of curbing the financial crisis.

Speaking on the supply of potable water in the province, he said the government had restored the water supply in Pasni. He assured that Gwadar would receive four to five million gallons of clean water in the next eight months and claimed it would be sufficient for the whole district.

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