Powering Up Progress: Coppergate Leads the Way in Gwadar Free Zone (Phase II)

Among the myriad enterprises in Gwadar Free Zone Phase I and Phase II, Coppergate stands poised to be the pioneer, blazing the trail with its manufacturing unit, provided all indicators remain auspicious. Beyond serving the export market, Coppergate is set to bolster the local economy.

Hailing from Lahore, Coppergate is a multinational electric cable manufacturer with a presence in 14 Pakistani cities, as well as South Africa and the UAE. The prospects of sealing the deal look promising following a recent rendezvous between Zhang Baozhong, Chairman of China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC), and key Coppergate representatives, including Business Advisor Widad Durrani and Zonal Manager Mansoor Ali in Gwadar.

Their discussions revolved around Coppergate's intention to establish a manufacturing stronghold in Gwadar. The rapid industrialization of Gwadar Free Zone Phase II has fueled a growing demand for electrical hardware and related materials. They believe that setting up production facilities in Gwadar will not only meet local needs but also catalyze the region's industrial growth.

Zhang Baozhong's determined efforts have breathed new life into commercial activities within Gwadar Free Zone. COPHC's investment of over $300 million in Gwadar Port's development, coupled with future plans for a $3 billion injection, underscores their commitment. Furthermore, the Chinese government has already disbursed over RMB 5 billion for social projects in Gwadar. A Chinese enterprise is also gearing up to establish a $5 million oil refinery within the Free Zone.

Coppergate's entry into Gwadar Free Zone (Phase II) comes with a significant requirement for raw materials, which conveniently aligns with HK Sun, a local metal processing industry in Gwadar Free Zone, capable of meeting those needs. Their collaborative effort promises mutual benefits.

The dream of Gwadar's industrialization is rapidly taking shape. The completion of Gwadar Fort Free Zone Phase-I, spanning 60 acres and equipped with essential infrastructure like power, water, and roads, has paved the way. With 47 registered enterprises and over eight fully operational factories, Gwadar's industrial landscape is thriving, with more developments in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, "Gwadar Free Zone (Phase II)" is officially underway, with land allocation and soil testing initiated by registered firms. Agvon, a Chinese company, has officially commenced its operations, aiming to construct a cutting-edge fertilizer processing plant within the stipulated timeframe. Another player, Hang Geng, has secured 10 acres of land and will embark on infrastructure work after completing licensing procedures. Their goal is to establish a pharmaceutical factory specializing in animal-skin-based medicine production.

Several other companies, including Essatex Industries, Bari Textile, and Idrees Steel, have also inked agreements and received one-acre land allocations. Once the requisite formalities are met, these ventures will soon be in full swing.

Additionally, a prominent company has expressed interest in securing 7.5 square kilometers of land out of the total 9.3 square kilometers available in Gwadar Free Zone Phase II. Their proposed investment of $3 billion to $4 billion promises to create over 30,000 jobs. According to a senior official from Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), the combined operation of Gwadar Free Zone Phase II (currently in development) and Phase I (already operational) is poised to generate an annual export-oriented economic activity worth $10 billion for Gwadar Port.