The 5th meeting of Pakistan China Joint Working Group (JWG) on Gwadar has finalized deliverable projects which would be placed before the next Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) of CPEC.
The meeting was held in Islamabad on Monday through a video link. It was co-chaired by Secretary Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiative, Mathar Niaz Rana and Director General of National Development and Reform Committee (NDRC), Ying Xiong. The meeting reviewed the progress in Gwadar.
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Both sides expressed satisfaction over the progress made in port development with the Chinese side appreciating the support, provided by Pakistan in port operationalization, particularly enabling the Afghan transit trade through Gwadar.
It was agreed that this step would greatly reduce the logistic cost and facilitate the transshipment trade. The Chairman China Overseas Port Holding Company explained the development of the port in detail and highlighted the interest of entrepreneurs in investing in Gwadar port and free zone area.
The meeting before the next JCC was informed that the Gwadar East Expressway would be completed in 2021 and all issues have been resolved. The Chinese side appreciated progress on the energy projects in Gwadar. The projects upon completion will energize the industry in Gwadar and will improve the social and economic well-being of the local community.
The projects in the social sector discussed during the meeting include Pak-China Friendship Hospital and Vocational and Training institute in Gwadar.
For the development of Gwadar as a smart port city, it was agreed that the provision of freshwater is of utmost importance. In this regard, the 1.2 MGD desalination plant was termed critical. Both sides agreed to take the necessary measures to complete the project in time.
The dredging of berthing areas is important for large vessels to access the Gwadar will improve the operation in Gwadar. For the construction of the breakwater, timely completion of the project was stressed as a crucial intervention required for the fisherman community in Gwadar.
