First CPEC project completed

The inauguration of the Pak-China Tactical Vocational Institute on Friday in Gwadar marked completion of the first ever China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project in the country.

Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong attended the opening ceremony via a video link.

On the occasion, the Chinese Ambassador said this institute is a sign of seventy years of Pak-China friendship, adding that the project has been developed at a cost of Rs10 million in the shortest period of 20 months only.

Ambassador Rong highlighted how the Pak-China Vocational Institute has state-of-the-art equipment and machinery to impart the best kind of technical education and skills to the youth of Balochistan including Gwadar.

He further said not only free accommodation but scholarships would also be given to the students of the Pak-China Institute.

Speaking to media on the occasion, Zhang Baosheng, Chairman China Overseas Port Holding Company, said the institute is an excellent institution, not only for Gwadar but for the entire region and will play a significant role in the artistic development of the region.

He added that the establishment of the institute would play an important role in securing decent employment by imparting vocational training to the talented youth of the region.

“Technical institutes play an important role in industrial development and the trained youth have golden opportunities to get employment in Gwadar Port, Free Zone Industry and other projects of CPEC,” Baosheng said.

Maj Gen Inayat Hussain, GOC 44 Division, Rear Admiral Jawad Ahmed of Pakistan Navy, Chinese company Kopak Chairman, Chairman Gwadar Port Authority Naseer Khan Kashani, Commanding Officer 440 Brigade Brigadier Fahad Mansoor Kayani, Assistant Commissioner Gwadar Raja Athar Abbas, students and teachers of the Pak-China School were also present.

Last month, Prime Minister Imran Khan termed the inclusion of the Karachi Comprehensive Coastal Development Zone (KCCDZ) in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor a game changer. The premier added that the project would help clean up our marine habitat for fishermen and present opportunities for investors. He also announced that 20,000 low income housing units will be developed under the project.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2021.