Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has issued a directive to reroute 50% of the country’s public sector sea cargo through Gwadar Port, a strategic move aimed at bolstering the port’s utilization and fostering economic growth in the region.
This decision was made during a high-level review meeting focused on Chinese investment in Pakistan, where the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Gwadar in the country’s broader economic strategy.
During the meeting, a detailed briefing was provided on the recent visit of a Chinese delegation to Pakistan, which took place from July 30 to August 6, 2024. The delegation, composed of experts from various sectors, engaged with representatives from multiple Pakistani ministries to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation. The discussions spanned several key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, agriculture, information technology, communication, and infrastructure.
The visit of the Chinese delegation marked a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between China and Pakistan. The meeting highlighted that considerable progress was achieved in fostering cooperation and investment across various sectors. One of the notable outcomes was the increased interest of Chinese companies in relocating their industries to Pakistan. A prominent example of this is a Chinese auto spare parts company, which has made substantial strides in establishing its plant in the country.
To further strengthen trade relations, the meeting revealed plans to engage Chinese experts in efforts to boost Pakistan’s domestic exports and eliminate non-trade barriers. As part of this initiative, sector-specific roadshows will be organized in various cities across China, aiming to promote Pakistani products and enhance their market presence. The collaboration will also extend to technology transfer and the upgrading of services in critical sectors such as electric vehicles and electro-medical devices.
In a bid to maximize the benefits of Chinese investment, the meeting also discussed facilitating land leasing arrangements for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Pakistan. These zones are expected to play a crucial role in attracting foreign investment and accelerating industrial growth in the country. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of ensuring equitable access to these opportunities across all provinces.
A significant aspect of the discussion centered on the training and development of Pakistani students and research scholars in the field of agriculture. The meeting was informed that a large number of applications—572 in total—have already been received for training opportunities in China. This initiative is aimed at equipping Pakistani students and researchers with the skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation and productivity in the agricultural sector.
To ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the formation of a committee under the leadership of Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal. The committee will be responsible for overseeing the selection of students and research scholars from all provinces, ensuring that the opportunities are distributed equitably.
The Prime Minister’s directive to channel 50% of the country’s public sector sea cargo through Gwadar Port is a strategic move designed to maximize the port’s potential as a key hub for regional trade. Gwadar Port, located on the southwestern coast of Pakistan, is a critical component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). By increasing the utilization of Gwadar Port, Pakistan aims to enhance its strategic importance in regional trade routes and attract further investment in its infrastructure.
This directive is expected to have a ripple effect on various sectors of the economy, including logistics, transportation, and infrastructure development. By rerouting a significant portion of public sector cargo through Gwadar, the government aims to reduce congestion at other ports and promote the development of the Gwadar region. This move aligns with the broader objectives of CPEC, which seeks to create new economic opportunities and boost economic growth in Pakistan.
The collaboration between China and Pakistan continues to deepen, with both countries committed to expanding their partnership across multiple domains. The visit of the Chinese delegation and the outcomes of the discussions underscore the strength of this relationship and the mutual benefits it brings to both nations.
