President calls for facilitating cross-border trade

Underlines need to upgrade road infrastructure, telecom services in Balochistan

GWADAR:

There is need to further strengthen cross-border trade with neighbouring countries to boost exports and provide employment opportunities to the people living near the bordering areas of Balochistan, said  President Dr Arif Alvi.

While chairing a follow-up meeting on border and trade management in Balochistan, he directed the relevant stakeholders to uplift the existing border stations by upgrading the road infrastructure, providing telecommunication facilities and establishing banking channels at crossing points.

According to him, these actions could enhance cross border trade and steer prosperity in the remote areas of the province.

Participants of the meeting were informed about the issues stymying trade and the problem of illegal fishing in the coastal areas of Gwadar was also discussed.

It was also highlighted that necessary groundwork for the provision of basic necessities to the residents of Gwadar would be completed within six months.

The meeting was updated on the status of various issues raised by the government of Balochistan on January 3, 2022.

Speaking on the occasion, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority Chairman Khalid Mansoor apprised the participants that a scheme aimed at provision of 1.2 million gallons per day (MGD) of water to the people of Gwadar would be completed within six months.

The meeting was further briefed about the progress on the development of Gwadar Airport and the hospital.

To encourage and facilitate foreign investors, participants were told that the process of the issuance of no objection certificates (NOCs) to foreign investors had been streamlined and they would now be approved within a timeframe of four weeks.

Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) Chairman Masroor Khan apprised the participants that top oil marketing companies, possessing storage facilities in Balochistan as well as valid licenses, had been directed to establish two additional petrol pumps in each district of the province to meet its fuel requirements.

The meeting was attended by the Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood, Balochistan Governor Syed Zahoor Ahmad Agha and Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo.

Moreover, Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Dr Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed, CPEC Authority Chairman Khalid Mansoor, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority Chairman Masroor Khan were also present.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2022.

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