Gwadar Port will be fully operational next month: minister

[BHarwana]

KARACHI: Gwadar port will start its full commercial operation from next month as all the development works have been completed, maritime minister said on Monday.

Minister for Maritime Affairs Hasil Khan Bizenjo said it is a prime responsibility of the government and the people of Pakistan to ensure the smooth working of Gwadar port that “has a significant importance in the region.”

“Locals should come forward prior to other foreign investors and participate in activities,” Bizenjo said, speaking to the members of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).

“If locals show interest then there should be no complaints.”

The minister maritime said the coastal belt of Gwadar has immense opportunities for tourism. The minister urged the private sector to build resorts along the belt.

The minister also dispelled an impression that Chabahar port of Iran would give a setback to Gwadar port. “In future, this port will seek support from Gwadar port,” he said.

China signed an agreement with Pakistan to develop the deep sea commercial port, which is one of its prime priorities under the multibillion dollars China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects.

Bizenjo said a tender will be floated next month for the construction of elevated expressway by the Karachi Port Trust, which will connect Pakistan Deep Water Container Port with the main port. The project has been under consideration for the last 12 years, he added.

On improvement of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), he said the flagship carrier will soon issue tenders to buy three vessels to increase its fleet.

On ferry service, the minister said the ministry is formulating a policy to get it ready for the cabinet’s approval. He, however, said the government will not venture the business of ferry service and instead the private sector will undertake its operation.

The maritime minister urged businessmen to invest in ferry service that has immense investment opportunities.

Responding to businessmen grievances about high fees charged by Karachi Port Trust, he asked the KPT board to send proposals for further consideration.

Zhang Baozhong, chairman of China Overseas Port Holding said Gwadar Expo 2018 will be held on January 29 and 30 to update the investors on the port’s development status.

Baozhong urged local people to come forward and take responsibility as one day “Chinese will return.”

The chairman China Overseas Port Holding, which holds the lease of Gwadar port for 40 years, said the port offers numerous benefits to the local traders as well as goods traded under the Afghan transit trade.

There are no demurrage charges, while there is security and safety of cargo with speedy customs clearance and free storage of containers for the three months period.

FPCCI President Zubair Tufail, hailing the Gwadar’s developments, said the first phase of free zone on the area of 721 acres has been completed. Tufail hoped the next phase would also be completed within the deadline.




https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/257680-gwadar-port-will-be-fully-operational-next-month-minister

 

[MultaniGuy]

Good news indeed.

 

[FuturePAF]

The talk of asking local business to build resorts on the coast reflect the dawn article about what the Chinese banks thought CPEC should be for; Pakistan as a lower end on the value added chain to feed into the western Chinese regions. It doesn't seem the Pakistani government ministers have ideas of their own. (not trying to say these developments are bad, but seems there is little input from the Pakistani government side on any planning / negotiating on the behalf of the Pakistani population as a whole, not just these business and what the government will earn in taxes) For example, if you ask most Pakistanis, they would not want resorts along the coast, but rather hill stations similar to Murree near their cities. A major one can be build only 50 miles north of Karachi, there are mountains at 3000 Feet altitude; a decent highway that goes there and a decent hill station with an amusement park and decent hotels and dinning there can be a better attraction then on the coast. People have the coast near them in Karachi, they want relief from the heat and close enough that they can make a day trip; and affordable regardless of their financial means.

 

[Thəorətic Muslim]

It doesn't seem the Pakistani government ministers have ideas of their own.

You're not the only one thinking this.

 

[FuturePAF]

You're not the only one thinking this.

Its just heart breaking that if they only cared, we would have a have decent chance at some people focused development. not necessarily big thing, just simple things that take thought and not much money. but if some one showed them up, they would be out of job, so they cant have that. and the pessimism continues, and the national dream of immigrating out continues, potential wasted.

 

[Kabira]

For example, if you ask most Pakistanis, they would not want resorts along the coast, but rather hill stations similar to Murree near their cities.

Pakistanis also want to live near airports, army cantt etc Lets just leave it there. Resort along coastal belt, especially Gwadar will be far better tourist spots then hill stations and northen areas IMO. My dream is to have house in Gwadar one day.

 

[Ocean]

Pakistanis also want to live near airports, army cantt etc Lets just leave it there. Resort along coastal belt, especially Gwadar will be far better tourist spots then hill stations and northen areas IMO. My dream is to have house in Gwadar one day.

The way you promote pmln on the forum i thought nawaz has already gifted u one house in gwadar.
Resorts near coastal areas would be more of an attraction for gora tourists. Living near airports is pain, have lived and the noise of a plane landing every next 20 minutes and that too a deafening one actually gave me terribe, nightmare and sleepwalk issues.

 

[Kabira]

The way you promote pmln on the forum i thought nawaz has already gifted u one house in gwadar.
Resorts near coastal areas would be more of an attraction for gora tourists. Living near airports is pain, have lived and the noise of a plane landing every next 20 minutes and that too a deafening one actually gave me terribe, nightmare and sleepwalk issues.

I don't promote N, this forum is stupidly pro PTI and ignore all its corruption and fraud along the way. Like ATM machine, known corrupt for decades.

 

[FuturePAF]

I don't promote N, this forum is stupidly pro PTI and ignore all its corruption and fraud along the way. Like ATM machine, known corrupt for decades.

Let's not get sidetracked. the entire political class is corrupt to one degree or another (corruption is embedded in our culture).

If 20 million Pakistanis live in Karachi, make Karachi's waterfront attractions better, so that more people can go and that volume will keep the prices down. There is a mountain plateau less than 50 miles from Karachi, that is over 3300 Feet high. I don't know the geology of the place, but if it can be reviewed and studied for development; it would be more valuable then a few pricey resorts along the coast. We have the topography to allow for small hill stations near our major cities. Coordinates are at approximately 25°35'58.56"N by 67°09'54.72"E. The nearby Hub Dam Reservoir can allow for water sports, similar to the Rawal Dam Lake. Similarly Fort Munroe should be developed for the people of northern Sindh and Lower Punjab, and a location at Sakesar for people in Central Punjab and KPK. These three points could provide for at least the 75% of the populations that live too far from Murree from having to make such a long trek for some fresh cooler air and modern entertainment. As our population is to double in the next 30-50 years from 200 to 400 million, planning for multiple locations that fit the needs of our people would be wiser.

 

[Maxpane]

good news indeed