Transforming Gwadar: $474 Million Investment Fuels Free Zone Growth

The development span covers 2015 to 2030 and is divided into four phases, with the pilot phase already completed. Spanning 923 hectares, the Free Zone consists of an initial area covering 25 hectares and a larger northern area encompassing 898 hectares.

The initial sector, located to the west of the existing port, serves as a pilot zone to establish industries and augment cargo capacity for the port. This area includes infrastructure projects, a business center, a trade exhibition hall, cold storage, and warehousing, all of which were finalized by January 2018.

The inauguration of the Gwadar Free Zone took place in January 2018, marking the beginning of Gwadar's transformation into a regional commercial epicenter.

Preparatory work, including design and feasibility studies, for a new international airport has already been completed. This airport, slated for international standards, can accommodate large passenger planes, including the A380 Boeing Jet. It aims to streamline international investor and visitor mobility.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has designated 3000 acres of land 26km northeast of the existing airport for the new one, which will operate under an open skies policy.

Efforts are underway to enhance the existing airport's capacity for wide-bodied aircraft and establish a technical and vocational institute to meet the demand for skilled workers in the port and free zone.

Construction of the China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital will commence in the coming months to provide medical services to the local population. A project to supply 200,000 gallons of water to Gwadar residents is also underway.

The Gwadar port was handed over to the Chinese Overseas Port Holding Company on February 15 to make it operational. Vessels and ships are now arriving, bringing cargo and equipment for port development, with full operational status anticipated within three to four years.