Karachi: President Pakistan Businessmen and wad Forum (PBIF), President AKIA, Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister, Mian Zahid Hussain on Wednesday said Gwadar port started in March 2002 brought hopes of Gwadar’s development and to develop Gwadar on modern lines, Gwadar Development Authority has been established in October 2003 which adopted proper town planning regulations. Till October 2018, GDA has granted NOCs to 77 residential, 16 industrial, 6 commercial and 4 recreational projects comprised on 14210 acres, 2275 acres, 300 acres, and 381 acres respectively.
The veteran business leader while talking to the business community said that Gwadar is going to be the World’s latest industrial and economic hub. 20 roads and 8 buildings have so far completed given to the development work being carried out by GDA. Ongoing projects include Hospital and water desalination plant. Unlimited investment opportunities lie in Gwadar for major, medium-sized and small investors. The major investment projects include Shipping agency, Goods transport, ferry service from Gwadar to Karachi and Gulf countries, Hotels, Fishing industry including freezing and packing, private schools and hospitals. Medium sized investors can grab opportunities in restaurants, parks, water sports, printing, superstores, markets, tourism, LPG and medicine, etc. While small investors have various opportunities in town planning, law firms, architects, private cars and others. Local investors can have the opportunity in dairy, poultry, farming of fruits and vegetables given to the availability of fresh water in the region.
The former minister said that 12 projects are in process in Gwadar under CPEC most significant of which are an International airport, east bay expressway, Free Zone, Freshwater treatment, Pak-China Friendship hospital, Steel Park and Gwader University. Completion of these projects will bring economic development to the region, the living standard of locals will be improved and Balochistan will get rid of deprivation of years. Pakistan will be able to practically improve ways to enhance international trade especially exports by getting access to new international markets including Turkey, Europe, and Central Asian Countries.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that 4 thousand metric tons of cargo have been imported through Gwadar in 2017, however, since 2008, 800,000 ton of cargo has been imported. In the future, Gwadar will play a vital role in the exports of the Country by giving cheaper access to new markets. According to Gwader Chamber of Commerce, there are more than 100,000 opportunities in the developing city where 10 thousand firms have so far invested in more than 1000 projects of 10 different countries. The collaboration of Government with Gwadar Chamber of Commerce is vital for the speedy economic growth of the area thus benefiting Pakistan.
