Transforming Gwadar: China's 5 Billion Yuan Boost for Socio-Economic Development

Over the past seven years, China has generously allocated over 5 billion RMB towards numerous socio-economic projects in Gwadar as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing the living standards of the local populace.

The substantial grant has been dedicated to a range of critical projects, including the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA), the East Bay Expressway, a state-of-the-art 300-bed China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital, the China-Pakistan Vocational and Technical Training Institute, the China-Pakistan Gwadar Faqeer Middle School, the China-Pakistan Fraternity Emergency Centre, and a cutting-edge 1.2 million gallons per day (MGD) desalination plant.

During a two-day conference, Chairman Zhang Baozhong of China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC) unveiled these remarkable developments, emphasizing the significance of the NGIA, which boasts the region's longest runway at 3.78 kilometers, designed to accommodate the largest aircraft. This expansion is poised to catalyze tourism in the area, fostering the establishment of new resorts and attracting tourists from China and other countries.

Chairman Zhang shared insights from his seven-year tenure in Gwadar, acknowledging the city's progress while expressing the commitment to accelerate its development further. He underscored three key factors contributing to Gwadar's promising future: the cooperation of its people, its abundant resources, and its strategic location. Zhang stressed the importance of respecting and promoting the development of Gwadar's inhabitants.

Despite challenges such as logistical issues and fluctuating market demand, Zhang affirmed that Gwadar port is fully operational and on a trajectory toward industrialization. Upon the completion of M8, cargo transportation to major cities like Lahore will be significantly streamlined. Additionally, four new Chinese investors are poised to explore opportunities in Gwadar's refinery, textile, petrochemical, and agricultural sectors.

Highlighting COPHC's substantial role in Gwadar's development, Zhang expressed a deep connection to the city, referring to it as his second home. He extended an offer of collaboration with the local community in educational development, proposing student and academic exchange programs and the establishment of a scientific research laboratory to impart advanced knowledge to local youth.

Moreover, COPHC has played a prominent role in pursuing a clean and green Gwadar, spearheading the planting of over 50,000 plants as part of this environmentally conscious initiative.