President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) Mian Zahid Hussain has emphasized the need that collaboration of government with Gwadar Chamber of Commerce is vital for speedy economic growth of the area thus benefiting Pakistan.
According to Gwadar Chamber of Commerce there are more than 100,000 opportunities in the developing city where 10000 firms have so far invested in more than 1000 projects of 10 different countries.
He said Gwadar port started in March 2002 brought hopes of area 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.
He said that Gwadar is going to be the World's latest industrial and economic hub. Unlimited investment opportunities lie in Gwadar for major, medium sized and small investors. The major investment projects included 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, super stores, 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.
He said that 12 projects are in process in Gwadar under CPEC and most significant of which are international airport, east bay express way, free zone, fresh water treatment, Pak-China Friendship hospital, Steel Park and Gwadar University.
Completion of these projects will bring economic development in the region.
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 4000 metric tons of cargo has been imported through Gwadar in 2017, however, since 2008, 800,000 ton of cargo has been imported. In future, Gwadar will play vital role in exports of the country by giving cheaper access to new markets.