Gwadar uplift imperative for CPEC success

Two-day media conclave, roundtable conference review CSR projects, socio-economic development

KARACHI:

Without bringing the people of Gwadar and surrounding areas out of the extreme poverty, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) – the multibillion-dollar project dubbed as the game changer for Pakistan and the region – would never truly be considered a success.

It is imperative that all stakeholders should devise a mechanism for an integrated socio-economic development strategy according to the hopes and aspirations of the inhabitants of Gwadar – a small port city of strategic importance located on the southwestern coast of Balochistan – in connection with CPEC.

The ongoing initiatives in the domain of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) undertaken by China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC) and other Chinese firms in Gwadar are appreciable. However, effective development communication and positive engagement with local communities is critical for the effectiveness and long-term success of these projects.

This was the gist of a two-day media conclave and roundtable conference titled ‘CSR Initiatives in Gwadar (The Gateway to CPEC)’, co-organised by Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) Islamabad and the University of Gwadar in collaboration with COPHC, Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) and Gwadar Development Authority (GDA), held on May 19 in the strategic port town.

Speaking to media representatives at the roundtable conference, Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Chairman Naseer Khan Kashani stressed the importance of bringing the locals together through CSR initiatives.

He said Gwadar Port was the flagship project of CPEC without which the multibillion-dollar initiative cannot materialise. “However, we must prioritise people over infrastructure development. Drinkable water and electricity is the top priority of the authorities in Gwadar,” he stated.

Kashani said a desalination plant of about 1.2 million gallons would become operational in six to eight months that would provide drinkable water to the locals.

Moreover, the newly inaugurated state-of-the-art Pak-China Vocational & Technical Training Institute will provide three years’ training to local youth, which is a big contribution by our Chinese friends, he added.

While delivering the keynote speech, Zhang Baozhong, Chairman COPHC spoke at length about the experiences of his seven-year stay in Gwadar.

“We are cognisant of the fact that Gwadar deserves more rapid development to live up to the expectations of the local people. There is no denying the fact that it has developed much during the past seven years,” he remarked.

He stated three reasons for the promising prospects of Gwadar: the cooperation of the Gwadar people, its vast resources, and its strategic location.

“The inhabitants of Gwadar deserve respect and development according to their rightful demands,” Chairman Bao underscored.

IPS Chairman Khalid Rahman highlighted the concept of CSR and elements that can improve the lives of the local inhabitants. “We must have solution-oriented recommendations, not problem-oriented,” he said, adding that positive thinking and improvement in governance will bring a huge change in the life of the people of Gwadar.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2022.