On the occasion of inauguration of Gwadar Free Zone and Gwadar Expo 2018, on behalf of the Chinese Government, I wish to express my sincere congratulations as well as my appreciation to the organizers and colleagues from both China and Pakistan.
As the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been making a lot of progress. As a starting point and the gateway of the CPEC, Gwadar in indeed a pearl on this crown. By now, the port can handle containers and other goods including bulk-cargo, general cargo and RORO with 3 multi-functional berths. With the construction of the East Bay Expressway, the new airport, and more motorways and national highways, Gwadar will be better connected with other parts of Pakistan.
Gwadar has also become a new destination to investors. More than 5,000 businessmen will attend the Expo. With this new Free Zone inaugurated, more than 30 enterprises ranging from banking, hotel, insurance, logistics, seafood processing and home appliance assembly are setting up their busniess here. It is expected to create more than 2,000 direct employments. The development of the Free Zone could serve as a model for the much expected special economic zones (SEZs) under the CPEC framework.
Moreover, the development of Gwadar is more than economic activities. The Chinese companies take themselves as members of the Gwadar community. With the support of the Chinese Government, they are actively engaged in education, poverty alleviation, medical service and drinking water supply.
As Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi put in Davos, the Belt and Road Initiative is about creating shared future for participating countries. The development of Gwadar are in full line with the principles of the Belt and Road Initiative, which stress wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.
With the commitment and hard work by the both sides, I am confident that Gwadar will become a new hub of connectivity and commercial activities, bringing tangible benefits to the people of Balochistan, Pakistan, and the region at large. Cheen-Pakistan Dosti Zindabad!
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