CPEC updates at Gwadar

[ghazi52]

 

[ghazi52]

New Gwadar airport on radar again

CDWP approves project at cost of Rs51.3b, up 138% within five years

Shahbaz Rana
September 21, 2021


The existing airport is capable of handling only small aircraft while the new airport is being designed to cater to the needs of large Airbus A-380 aircraft.

ISLAMABAD: The government on Monday approved the New Gwadar International Airport project at an upward revised cost of Rs51.3 billion, showing an increase of 138% in its construction price within five years amid a slow pace progress on an important China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) scheme.

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) took the decision to revise upward the project cost.

Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Jehanzeb Khan chaired the CDWP meeting. The body has a mandate to scrutinise and approve development schemes and refer the mega projects for final ratification of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec).

“New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) second revision worth Rs51.3 billion referred to the Ecnec for further consideration,” according to the Ministry of Planning handout. The second revised PC-1 of the project had been submitted by the Aviation Division to revise the scope and cost of ASF camp, CAA residential building to be funded and executed by the Pakistan side, it added.

The CDWP accorded go-ahead to the Gwadar airport being an ongoing project with the directions to “review PSDP requirements keeping in view limited development portfolio and future revenues to the country”.

Out of Rs51.3 billion, an amount of Rs18.1 billion is planned to be spent from the Public Sector Development Programme while the remaining Rs33.8 billion will be provided by China. China is providing a grant of 1.52 billion yuan or Rs34 billion for the project. Oman had also given a $17.5 million grant for the project.

The project was part of phase-1 of CPEC that was supposed to be completed by 2018. However, the construction of the New Gwadar International Airport is also falling behind schedule along with dozens of other CPEC projects.

The Planning Commission deputy chairman also directed that combined electricity generation from solar and wind should be explored to meet the future needs for Gwadar Airport.

The new Gwadar airport is considered important for the development of Gwadar Port and its free zone. The Ministry of Planning is now gradually taking back control of CPEC.

The original Gwadar airport project had been approved at a cost of Rs7.5 billion in 2010 and the revised one was cleared in 2015 at a cost of Rs22.2 billion. The CDWP approved the second revision on Monday at 138% higher than the 2015 cost.

A key reason behind the increase in cost was that the new plan was based on a detailed design of the project.

In October last year, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had presented the project for CDWP approval but the body had raised certain objections.

For the ASF camp, Rs6.4 billion, and for the CAA Residential Complex, Rs2.5 billion, have been included in the project construction cost.

At the time of approval of the original PC-I in January 2010, the dollar was at Rs85 against the rupee. The PML-N government made the first revision in January 2015 as part of the CPEC project and then the dollar strengthened to Rs100. Now, the PTI government has proposed the second revision and the dollar value jumped to Rs169 in September this year.

The existing airport is capable of handling only small aircraft while the new airport is being designed to cater to the needs of large Airbus A-380 aircraft.


The CDWP also approved one development project with a cost of Rs2.7 billion. The feasibility studies and detailed engineering design for KPCIP (Transport and Municipal Services) Under Project Readiness Financing -PRF2 was approved by the CDWP.

The project envisages engineering and procurement support, planning feasibility, detailed design and capacity building for Urban Municipal Services, and project management, financial management, procurement, and transport planning.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 21st, 2021.

 

[ghazi52]

MoU inked between LCCI and Rafi Group for development of Gwadar

September 23, 2021


LAHORE: “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a game changer and Gwadar is an important part of it. The charm of this city is getting momentum with every passing day and it is Dubai of the future”.

These views were expressed by the Chairman Rafi Group Imtiaz Rafi Butt while speaking at the MoU signing ceremony between LCCI and GPHP at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. LCCI President Mian Tariq Misbah, Vice-President Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry and Senator Kauda Babar also spoke on the occasion.

Imtiaz Rafi Butt said that Gwadar is going to play a significant role in the economy of Pakistan because of its strategic location. It destined as the economic hub that will not just cater the locals but will also come off as a key factor for the economic prosperity of Pakistan.


He said that China is an emergent super power. Phase one of CPEC has been completed while the second phase is well on the way under which industrial zones will be established and special attention will be given to the agriculture production. He said that 140 countries have expressed their desire for being part of One Belt One Road Project.

Imtiaz Rafi Butt said change of regime in Kabul is a geopolitical earthquake and will initiate economic development in the region. He said that Pakistan is one hundred percent winner in this case. He said that earlier, entire focus of Pakistan was on security but now the focus is on economic development as the security situation is under control.

LCCI President Mian Tariq Misbah said that the business community seems the development of Gwadar port city as an important milestone in the emerging economic profile of Pakistan. Pakistan stands to gain from its development in the long run. He said that in coming years, such individuals who make investment right now will be drawing good benefits.

The LCCI president praised the achievements made by Rafi Group in real estate sector across Pakistan. Since 1978, Rafi Group has been expanding as a market leader. He congratulated Imtiaz Rafi Butt for successfully completing and delivering various commercial and residential real estate projects all over the country.

He hoped that Green Palms Housing Project commenced in Gwadar would be the best architectural landscape equipped with modern infrastructure and a wide array of amenities.
Imtiaz Rafi Butt said that Gwadar is a very important part of the CPEC and it will revolutionize the economy of Pakistan. Given the global importance of Gwadar, Rafi Group is committed to providing affordable and quality accommodation to its customers in Gwadar. Green Palms Gwadar is undergoing rapid development.

“Our highly capable team will complete the project on time using all its capabilities,” he added.
Earlier, the LCCI and Green Palms Housing Project (GPHP) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will not only facilitate the LCCI members but would also be helpful the development of Gwadar City.

 

[Clutch]

New Gwadar airport on radar again

CDWP approves project at cost of Rs51.3b, up 138% within five years

Shahbaz Rana
September 21, 2021


The existing airport is capable of handling only small aircraft while the new airport is being designed to cater to the needs of large Airbus A-380 aircraft.

ISLAMABAD: The government on Monday approved the New Gwadar International Airport project at an upward revised cost of Rs51.3 billion, showing an increase of 138% in its construction price within five years amid a slow pace progress on an important China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) scheme.

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) took the decision to revise upward the project cost.

Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Jehanzeb Khan chaired the CDWP meeting. The body has a mandate to scrutinise and approve development schemes and refer the mega projects for final ratification of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec).

“New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) second revision worth Rs51.3 billion referred to the Ecnec for further consideration,” according to the Ministry of Planning handout. The second revised PC-1 of the project had been submitted by the Aviation Division to revise the scope and cost of ASF camp, CAA residential building to be funded and executed by the Pakistan side, it added.

The CDWP accorded go-ahead to the Gwadar airport being an ongoing project with the directions to “review PSDP requirements keeping in view limited development portfolio and future revenues to the country”.

Out of Rs51.3 billion, an amount of Rs18.1 billion is planned to be spent from the Public Sector Development Programme while the remaining Rs33.8 billion will be provided by China. China is providing a grant of 1.52 billion yuan or Rs34 billion for the project. Oman had also given a $17.5 million grant for the project.

The project was part of phase-1 of CPEC that was supposed to be completed by 2018. However, the construction of the New Gwadar International Airport is also falling behind schedule along with dozens of other CPEC projects.

The Planning Commission deputy chairman also directed that combined electricity generation from solar and wind should be explored to meet the future needs for Gwadar Airport.

The new Gwadar airport is considered important for the development of Gwadar Port and its free zone. The Ministry of Planning is now gradually taking back control of CPEC.

The original Gwadar airport project had been approved at a cost of Rs7.5 billion in 2010 and the revised one was cleared in 2015 at a cost of Rs22.2 billion. The CDWP approved the second revision on Monday at 138% higher than the 2015 cost.

A key reason behind the increase in cost was that the new plan was based on a detailed design of the project.

In October last year, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had presented the project for CDWP approval but the body had raised certain objections.

For the ASF camp, Rs6.4 billion, and for the CAA Residential Complex, Rs2.5 billion, have been included in the project construction cost.

At the time of approval of the original PC-I in January 2010, the dollar was at Rs85 against the rupee. The PML-N government made the first revision in January 2015 as part of the CPEC project and then the dollar strengthened to Rs100. Now, the PTI government has proposed the second revision and the dollar value jumped to Rs169 in September this year.

The existing airport is capable of handling only small aircraft while the new airport is being designed to cater to the needs of large Airbus A-380 aircraft.


The CDWP also approved one development project with a cost of Rs2.7 billion. The feasibility studies and detailed engineering design for KPCIP (Transport and Municipal Services) Under Project Readiness Financing -PRF2 was approved by the CDWP.

The project envisages engineering and procurement support, planning feasibility, detailed design and capacity building for Urban Municipal Services, and project management, financial management, procurement, and transport planning.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 21st, 2021.

Every year they "approve" the New Gwadar Airport"!!!... Lol.

 

[ghazi52]

Pak-China Friendship Hospital to provide modern healthcare facilities in Gwadar

September 25, 2021




The Pak-China Friendship Hospital will provide state-of-the-art medical facility to the inhabitants of Gwadar. This project is being built at an estimated cost of USD 100 million on 68 acres of land, and will have six medical blocks, with 50 beds each. Development work on the project is ongoing and will be completed soon.


ISLAMABAD, Sep 24 (APP):The under construction Pak-China friendship hospital would provide state-of-the-art medical facility to the inhabitants of port city of Gwadar that was being completed with the estimated cost of $ 100 million.

The project is financed by the Chinese government while the project was being supervised by the government of Balochistan.

The hospital being constructed on 68 acres of land would have six medical blocks and each block would have 50 beds each.

Almost 20 percent work on the residential blocks has been completed, said a document of Gwadar Port Authority.

Under the proposed project remaining medical blocks, such as nursing and paramedical institutes, medical college, central laboratory, and other allied facilities were also under construction.

The project was being constructed under GDA Business Plan duly supported by Public Sector Development Project (PSDP) of the federal government.

The project’s update feasibility study has been completed by Chinese team to add 100 beds from existing 50, for subsequent extension to 300 beds.

 

[ghazi52]

China-Pakistan Vocational Training Center Gwadar is completed On the occasion of the 72nd birthday of China held a grand completion ceremony at Vocational center the training center has become another landmark of China Pakistan friendship.

 

[ghazi52]

CPEC’s first vocational institute inaugurated in Gwadar

The first #Pakistan #China technical vocational institute under CPEC, has been inaugurated in Gwadar. China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Nong Rong attended the ceremony virtually and said that the institute has been completed at a cost of US $10 million, and is a sign of 70 years of Pak-China friendship.

He said that the institute has state-of-the-art machinery, and will help impart technical education and skills for the youth of Balochistan. For the youth, free accommodation and scholarships have been introduced as well. This ceremony was attended by all top leadership of both Pakistan and China.

 

[Pak Nationalist]

View attachment 775639

What is the nature of these commitments and when will these come to fruition?

 

[ghazi52]

Aerial view

 

[ghazi52]

More pictures....

First technical vocational institute under CPEC, has been inaugurated in Gwadar. China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Nong Rong attended the ceremony virtually & said that the institute has been completed..

 

[ghazi52]

Gwadar Eastbay Expressway completion likely by October end
Wed, 6 Oct 2021

ISLAMABAD, Oct 06 (APP): Gwadar Eastbay Expressway the most important mega connectivity and road infrastructure project worth $168 million is likely to be completed this month.

The completion of the Gwadar Eastbay Expressway being constructed under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would trigger a major jump in the development of the Coastal City, a senior official of Gwadar Development Authority told APP on the mega project status.

He said the project was envisaged under the Early Harvest Scheme during the first phase of CPEC.

The project was part of a wider $1.1 billion development package for the city and Port of Gwadar. While elaborating the project details, the official informed that Gwadar Eastbay Expressway was a six-lane urban motorway. “The road will connect Gwadar Port with Gwadar Free Trade Zone and Makran Coastal Highway.

Currently, more than 92 percent of construction work has been completed,” he added. Expressway, he said, would improve the trading potential of Gwadar Port whereas the Expressway aimed at meeting the transportation requirements of the Port.

Economic and Commerce Experts said that Gwadar Eastbay Expressway would prove to be a major step in utilizing the full potential of Gwadar Port for trade, especially the way it would help connect Gwadar Port with Gwadar Free Trade Zone.

Senior Economist Dr Fazl Shah said this would increase the flow of business transactions across the Port. “Gwadar Free Trade Zone is currently in the attraction of investors across the globe.

In this context, the completion of Gwadar Eastbay Expressway this year will certainly turn out to be a major development,” he added.

Moreover, the Expressway would connect Gwadar Port with other cities across the country, said Akram Sheikh, infrastructure expert at a leading real estate firm.

He said the significance of Gwadar Eastbay Expressway was further highlighted as it connected Gwadar Port with Makran Coastal Highway. The Makran Coastal Highway was a 653 km national highway that extended from Karachi in Sindh to Gwadar in Balochistan.

“This will certainly pave the way for businesses across Pakistan to capitalize on the rich business potential of Gwadar. The Expressway will create a business boom in Gwadar,” he said.

It may be mentioned here that the completion of Gwadar Eastbay Expressway carried a lot in its lap for the Coastal City. It would not only help Gwadar Port to fully capitalize on its trading potential but would also make Gwadar a hub of investment for businesses across Pakistan.

 

[ghazi52]

In 1581-Portuguese, 1736-Iran and 1778 Khan of Kalat captured Gawader.
In 1784 he gave it to Omani prince, some say in dowry when his daughter married him. Prince, as Sultan of Oman, kept it.
After 1947 Iran & CIA wanted it as part of Chahbahar.
In 1958 Gwadar joined Pakistan.

 

[ghazi52]

M.V. DISCOVERY docked at Gwadar International Terminals Limited Unload 31400 tons of fertilizer.

Since January 2020 Gwadar port, key project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, officially started taking cargo under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA).
By this agreement, landlocked Afghanistan can import and export goods via Pakistani land routes.

 

[ghazi52]

Pak-China friendship Hospital under construction.
The state-of-the-art $ 100 M medical facility in Gwadar will host 6 medical blocks with 50 beds each, providing comprehensive healthcare.

 

[ghazi52]