The fifth meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Gwadar was held through a video conference on Monday in Islamabad. The meeting was co-chaired by Secretary Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives (MoPD&SI), Mathar Niaz Rana from Pakistan and Director General National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Ying Xiong, from China.
In his opening remarks, Director General, NDRC said that the development of Gwadar is a priority and will be pushed forward with vigor and zeal. The Secretary, PD&SI acknowledged the continuous support extended by the Chinese government for the development of Gwadar. He assured the China of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to accelerate the development projects in Gwadar.
The meeting reviewed the progress of projects in Gwadar. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the progress made in port development and China appreciated the support provided by Pakistan in making the port operational, particularly enabling the Afghan transit trade through Gwadar. It was agreed that this step would greatly reduce the logistic cost and facilitate the transshipment trade.
The Chairman of China Overseas Ports Holding Company Ltd (CoPHCL) explained the development of the port in detail and highlighted a renewed interest of entrepreneurs in investing in Gwadar port and the Free Zone area. It was revealed that the Eastbay Expressway will be completed in 2021 and all pending issues have been resolved on priority. The Expressway will connect the port with the 2nd Phase of the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) which will facilitate the business climate of both the zone and the port. Other projects discussed included New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) and M-8 Motorway for a seamless connectivity of Gwadar with the rest of the country and beyond. The progress on the NGIA was noted with satisfaction.
China appreciated progress on the Energy Project in Gwadar. The Power Purchase Agreement of 300 MW Coal Power Project was made as a deliverable for the forthcoming 10th JCC. The project upon completion will energize industry in Gwadar and will improve the social and economic well-being of the local community.
Other projects in the social sector discussed during the meeting include Pak-China Friendship Hospital in Gwadar and Vocational & Technical Institute in Gwadar. The Secretary, MoPD&SI highlighted that the hospital project is of vital importance for the people of Gwadar and needs to be expedited. The Secretary suggested to expedite work for timely completion of the project. For the Vocational & Technical Institute, both sides agreed to push ahead create job opportunities for the youth.
For the development of Gwadar as a smart port city, it was reiterated that the provision of fresh water is of utmost importance. In this regard, the 1.2 MGD Desalination plant project was termed critical. Both sides agreed to take necessary measure to complete the project in time.
The dredging of Berthing Areas is important for large vessels to access the Gwadar port which will improve the operationally of the port. For the construction of Breakwater, the timely completion of the project was stressed as a crucial intervention required for the fishermen community in Gwadar. The Secretary, PD&SI proposed to divide the project in to two phases for better implementation of the project. DG, NDRC replied in affirmative and appreciated the idea.
The Secretary PD&SI also appreciated the projects under Corporate Social Responsibility including Fraternity Emergency Care Centre of the Red Crescent Society of China, Pak-China Faqeer Colony School and other initiatives of the China Overseas Port Holding Company.
At the end of the session, the Secretary, PD&SI revealed other social sector development projects, being undertaken by the government of Pakistan under the Prime Minister’s development package for South Balochistan. The Director General, NDRC applauded the development package and reiterated China’s full support for the socio-economic well-being of the region. The meeting was concluded with signing of the minutes along with finalization of the agreed deliverables of the JWG on Gwadar for the forthcoming 10th Joint Coordination Committee (JCC).
The meeting was also attended by other senior officials of the MoPD&SI, representatives of the Government of Balochistan, Civil Aviation Authority, Board of Investment, and Ministry of Maritime Affairs among others.
