Government plans free trade zone in Gwadar

KARACHI: The government is planning to set up a free trade zone at the Gwadar port of Balochistan, a top official said.
“We are in the process of starting the free zone and encouraging investors and producers of the fast moving consumer goods and consumer packaged goods to invest in the zone,” said Dostain Jamaldini, chairman of Gwadar Port Authority (GPA).
Talking to The News at the ceremony marking the containerised shipment from the Gwadar port, Jamaldini said despite lack of infrastructure, utility deficiencies, and security matters, the Chinese shipping company (COSCO) is carrying the containerised cargo to export to international market through Gwadar port, which was previously exported from Karachi. The seven 30 tons reefer containers were carrying the processed fish of local producers. The next shipment is expected to sail on 18th or 20th of May. This was the third official inauguration of the port with the expectation that the port would finally be operational and generate business.
The Gwadar port is yet to become fully operational. In the past, Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) was managing the port’s affairs. Nearly two years back, the port was handed over to China Overseas Port Holding Co (COPHCL).
Over the years, the government has been trying to bail out the port through temporary measures, like diverting the government’s seasonal dry bulk cargo containing urea and DAP to Gwadar port.
“We are glad that now catch of local poor fishermen is directly exported through Gwadar port,” the GPA chief said.
He said once the port connectivity is established through completion of Khuzdar-Ratodero portion of M-8 in the coming four months and of N-85 to be completed by mid-2016, its productivity will increase. And, vessels discharged at Gwadar port will not disembark empty with the help of logistics supply chain and the products produced in the upcountry will be exported.
Jamaldini said sufficient inputs are available locally as Balochistan is rich in livestock, and fruits. Gwadar has the potential to become a place for production of Halal meat, processing and packaging of dates, foods and juices.
Gwadar port has always been mentioned as a future hub of transit and transshipment. Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the port has been acknowledged as the gateway.
Captain Dai Xiaolong, chief executive officer of Gwadar International Terminal Ltd said the company focuses to become the preferred choice of logistics and maritime customers driven by innovation, customisation and dedicated safe operations across the globe, contributing towards prosperous and sustainable future for the Gwadar port and its surroundings.
Federal Minister Ports and Shipping Kamran Micheal said, “We foresee more trade through Gwadar port in near future.”
“In order to prepare ourselves for these upcoming opportunities, COPHCL and GPA will soon finalise business plan of the port for its up-gradation and expansion,” the minister said. “In my view, an exclusive container terminal would be our immediate requirement at Gwadar port.”