PM to launch cargo shipment activity from Gwadar Port today

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will kick off the shipment of trade goods from Gwadar Port to international markets on Sunday (today), marking the historic launch of trade activity through China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).  During his day-long visit to Gwadar, the prime minister will also address a ceremony of launching the first mega pilot trade cargo.

The trade caravan reached Gwadar from China under the strict security cover of Pakistan Army and other security agencies that would now be shipped to its next export destinations.

This is the onset of the progress that has been awaited for years. But now this journey will continue till the times to come, the Prime Minister’s House said in a statement.

“We are crossing new milestone into a new era of international relations, it added.

Gwadar Port is rich of new possibilities not only for Pakistan and China but also for the whole world with a scope of import and export activity from Central Asia to the Middle East. The shipment of first trade cargo from Gwadar to the international market heralds a changed Pakistan. Starting its journey from Kashgar, the trade cargo reached Gwadar safely from Gilgit-Baltistan after travelling throughout the country that also manifested the image of a peaceful Pakistan.

Besides Pakistan and China, even Iran Afghanistan and Central Asian States will also take advantage of the project that is going to make an impact on the eastern region within few years.

Besides enhancing communication network supply trade and cultural links the Corridor will also help promote peace resources and harmony in the region. The government has already allocated land for Gwadar Free Trade Zone also announced concessions for Gwadar Port and Free Trade Zone in Balochistan.

Moreover, the projects of Exclusive Industrial Park Processing Zone and Mineral Economic Zone are also being executed. A project worth Rs 25 billion is being executed for the development of Gwadar city keeping in view its importance.

The federal government gave a free hand to the provincial government in that regard that designed the project considering Gwadar’s basic needs. The provincial government is implementing the project and the resources are being provided by the Centre. The federal government provided all resources for the installation of a plant to make the seawater drinkable besides launching an additional Rs 11.5 billion project for clean drinking water to Gwadar during 2015 16.  The quality of underground water is also being improved and the existing 50-bed hospital is being upgraded to 300-bed facility. A university and a technical and vocational training institute are also being set up in Gwadar to produce required manpower.