ISLAMABAD: The 5th meeting of Pakistan China Joint Working Group (JWG) onGwadar has finalized deliverable projects which would be placed before thenext Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) of CPEC.
The JWG meeting, held through a video link in Islamabad on Monday, wasco-chaired by Ministry of Planning, Development, & Special InitiativesSecretary Mathar Niaz Rana and National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC) Director General Ying Xiong.
According to officials, the NDRC director general said that the developmentof Gwadar was a priority and would be pushed forward with vigor and zeal.The PD&SI secretary acknowledged the continuous support extended by Chinesegovernment for Gwadar’s development and assured the Chinese side ofPakistan’s unwavering commitment to accelerate development work in the portcity.
The meeting reviewed the progress of projects in Gwadar. Both sidesexpressed satisfaction over the progress made in port development withChinese side appreciating the support provided by Pakistan in portoperationalization, particularly enabling the Afghan transit trade throughGwadar.
It was agreed that this step would greatly reduce the logistic cost andfacilitate the transshipment trade.
The China Overseas Ports Holding Company Limited (COPHCL) chairmanexplained the development of the port in detail and highlighted the renewedinterest of entrepreneurs in investing in Gwadar port and free zone area.It was informed that the Eastbay Expressway will be completed in 2021 andall pending issues have been resolved on priority.
The expressway will connect the port with the 2nd phase of the Free TradeZone (FTZ) which will facilitate business climate of the zone and the portalike. Other projects discussed included New Gwadar International Airport(NGIA) and M-8 Motorway for seamless connectivity of Gwadar with the restof the country and beyond. The progress on the NGIA was noted withsatisfaction.
The Chinese side appreciated progress on the energy projects in Gwadar. ThePower Purchase Agreement of 300MW Coal Power Project was made as adeliverable for the forthcoming 10th JCC. The project upon completion willenergize industry in Gwadar and will improve the social and economicwell-being of the local community.
Projects in the social sector discussed during the meeting includePak-China Friendship Hospital and Vocational & Technical Institute inGwadar.
The MoPD&SI Secretary highlighted that the hospital project is of vitalimportance for the people of Gwadar and needs to be expedited. For theVocational & Technical Institute, both sides agreed to push ahead to createjob opportunities for the youth.
For the development of Gwadar as a smart port city, it was reiterated thatthe provision of freshwater is of utmost importance. In this regard, the1.2 MGD desalination plant project was termed critical. Both sides agreedto take necessary measures to complete the project in time.
The dredging of berthing areas is important for large vessels to access theGwadar port which will improve the operationally of the port. For theconstruction of breakwater, timely completion of the project was stressedas a crucial intervention required for the fishermen community in Gwadar.The secretary proposed to divide the project into two phases for betterimplementation of the project. DG NDRC replied in affirmative andappreciated the idea.