Accelerating CPEC Progress: Three Key Projects Set for 2021 Completion

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has indicated progress on three pivotal projects interconnected with the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), slated for completion by 2021. These initiatives encompass the construction of the Eastbay Expressway, the establishment of the CPEC Support Unit (CSU), and the enhancement of IT infrastructure.

In tandem with the Ministry's ongoing efforts, these projects are set to continue into the next fiscal year, extending into 2020 and 2021. Notably, the East-Bay Expressway project seeks to forge a vital connection between the Mekran Coastal Highway (N-20) and the Free Trade Zone of Gwadar Port. Featuring a six-lane expressway, complemented by a 30-meter-wide railway corridor, this endeavor promises to not only link the port with its regional counterparts but also furnish a swift, seamless, and secure transportation conduit.

Presently, Gwadar's deep-sea port relies on a narrow 16-foot-wide thoroughfare in West-Bay for transit. This results in the disruption of regular traffic flow as trawlers and cargo-laden trucks navigate this confined passage, lacking any viable alternatives. The core objective of the Eastbay Expressway is to establish a direct link between Gwadar Port and the national highway network, facilitating the fluid transport of imports, exports, and transit goods.

The creation of the CPEC Support Unit (CSU) serves to oversee the various projects and activities of the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA). Simultaneously, the development of Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure is poised to catalyze the implementation of E-Commerce initiatives within the region.

Additionally, substantial progress is being made on the Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute, situated in the bustling Port City of Gwadar. This institute is poised to further bolster the region's capacity for technical and vocational education, thereby contributing to the overarching goals of the CPEC initiative.