Unlocking the Full Potential of Gwadar Port and Free Zone: A Collaborative Effort by Pakistan and China

The sixth session of the Joint Working Group on Gwadar was co-chaired by Abdul Aziz Uqaili, Secretary for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives from Pakistan, and Ying Xiong, Director-General of China's National Development and Reform Commission. During the meeting, the progress of CPEC projects in Gwadar was reviewed, and discussions centered on the city's development, port enhancements, and the free zone.

Both parties expressed satisfaction with the progress made in various projects, including the full operationalization of Gwadar port, its inclusion in the Afghan Transit Trade route, the Smart Port City Master Plan's finalization, the completion of the Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute, substantial progress on the Eastbay Expressway, the initiation of work on the New Gwadar International Airport, and the Pak-China Friendship Hospital.

It was noted that Gwadar Free Zone Phase-1 has been successfully completed, with work on Phase-II, spanning 2,221 acres, already underway. Representatives from Chinese enterprises, such as Zhejiang DRC, China Communication Construction Company, Zhejiang Seaport, and Huazhang Technology, presented their planned investments in the Low Carbon Recycling Park within the Gwadar Free Zone. The Pakistani side assured these potential investors of full support and cooperation.

Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, projects in Gwadar have progressed steadily. The meeting acknowledged some operational issues faced by the projects during the year, with both sides resolving to address any remaining issues on a priority basis.

Additionally, it was reported that the government of Pakistan is actively working in collaboration with provincial authorities to provide essential facilities in Gwadar. These efforts encompass connecting Gwadar to the national electricity grid, supplying water to the city from nearby dams, establishing the University of Gwadar, launching the Gwadar Safe City project, and other socio-economic initiatives.

The third meeting of the Joint Working Group on Socio-Economic Development under CPEC, co-chaired by Mr. Uqaili and Deng Boqing, Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, reviewed progress in ongoing projects and explored potential new collaborations. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of existing projects despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The meeting concluded with a gesture of gratitude from the Pakistani side for China's generous support in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly for the timely supply of vaccines. The Chinese side reiterated its unwavering support for Pakistan, emphasizing the strong bond between the "two iron brothers."

To enhance bilateral cooperation and implementation, both sides decided to establish sub-committees.