PM Shehbaz directs 50% of public sector cargo to be routed through Gwadar port

Directive issued during a review meeting focused on Chinese investment in Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed that half of all public sector cargo be transported via sea through Gwadar port, aiming to bolster the strategic importance of the port and enhance its operational capacity.

The directive was issued during a review meeting in Islamabad focused on Chinese investment in Pakistan. The prime minister was briefed on the recent visit of a delegation of Chinese experts, which took place from July 30 to August 6, as reported by Radio Pakistan.

During their visit, the Chinese delegation engaged with representatives from various Pakistani ministries, discussing avenues for increased cooperation across multiple sectors. 

Significant strides were reportedly made in enhancing collaboration in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, information technology, communication, and infrastructure.

The meeting highlighted that the services of Chinese experts will be utilized to boost Pakistan’s exports and address non-trade barriers. To further this initiative, sector-specific roadshows will be organised in various Chinese cities to promote Pakistani products.

Additionally, the briefing revealed that several Chinese companies have expressed interest in relocating their industries to Pakistan, signaling a potential boost to the country’s industrial base.

In the agriculture sector, it was noted that Pakistani students and research scholars would receive training in China, with 572 applications already received for this program. PM Shehbaz emphasised the need for equal representation of students from all provinces in the training opportunities.

The meeting also reviewed progress on implementing agreements and MoUs signed with the Chinese government and companies. The prime minister reiterated his commitment to expediting these processes, warning that any delays in implementation would not be tolerated.

In July, Pakistan introduced a new strategy to facilitate joint ventures between Chinese and Pakistani companies, aiming to attract Chinese investment in seven key sectors: medical and surgical equipment, plastics, clothing, leather, edible meat, fruits and vegetables, and waste and fodder management. 

This initiative is expected to significantly enhance investment and strengthen economic ties between the two nations.

The strategy, unveiled during a joint meeting of the Board of Investment chaired by federal ministers Abdul Aleem Khan and Jam Kamal Khan, is set to involve 78 Chinese business organisations and 167 Pakistani companies in collaborative ventures. 

The efforts underscore Pakistan’s drive to deepen its economic partnership with China, leveraging joint ventures and strategic investments to stimulate economic growth and development.