Pakistan and China Hold 7th Joint Working Group Meeting on Gwadar

Collaborative Efforts Highlight Progress and Future Plans for Gwadar's Development

Pakistan and China Hold 7th Joint Working Group Meeting on Gwadar


ISLAMABAD: May 16th, 2024: The governments of Pakistan and China convened the 7th meeting of the Joint Working Group on Gwadar via video conference, focusing on the progress and future development plans for the city, port, and free zone.

The session was co-chaired by Mr. Awais Manzur Sumra, Secretary Planning Development & Special Initiatives of Pakistan, and Mr. Pan Jiang, Director General of the National Development & Reforms Commission of China. The meeting saw participation from key figures, including the Special Secretary Economic Affairs, Chairman Gwadar Port Authority, and representatives from various Pakistani ministries and the Balochistan government, alongside their Chinese counterparts.

The meeting reviewed the status of ongoing CPEC projects in Gwadar, expressing satisfaction with the steady advancements. Key achievements discussed included the full operationalization of Gwadar Port, the finalization of the Smart Port City Master Plan, the completion of the Eastbay Expressway, the Pak-China Friendship Hospital, the 1.2 MGD Sea Water Desalination Plant, and significant progress on the New Gwadar International Airport.

Phase 1 of the Gwadar Free Zone has been successfully completed, with Phase 2 now underway, covering 2221 acres. The meeting emphasized the importance of finalizing the Marketing and Investment Plan for the Free Zone, along with an effective implementation strategy.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions, the projects in Gwadar have progressed steadily. The meeting addressed various operational issues encountered during the year, noting that many had been resolved through the intervention of relevant authorities. Both sides committed to resolving any remaining issues promptly.

The Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Provincial Government, is actively implementing various projects to provide necessary facilities in Gwadar. These projects include linking Gwadar to the national electricity grid, supplying water from nearby dams, establishing the University of Gwadar, and initiating the Gwadar Safe City project, among other socio-economic initiatives.

Both sides pledged to maximize the potential of Gwadar port and free zone, ensuring that the local population benefits from the opportunities created in various sectors.