News Desk
Gwadar: Gwadar is on the path to becoming the region’s largest economic hub, driven by China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, the establishment of the Central Business District, and Special Economic Zones. Industrial activities have already commenced in the Free Zone, and the New Gwadar International Airport is set to be completed by the end of this year.
Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) Director General Shafqat Anwar Shahwani, in an interview on state television’s “Baat Karobar Ki,” stated that the first phase of CPEC included social and economic projects, most of which are nearing completion. These include the New Gwadar International Airport, Pak-China Friendship Hospital, Technical and Vocational Institute, Eastbay Expressway, Gwadar University, a desalination plant, and the first phase of the Free Zone. The focus will now shift to establishing industrial zones in the second phase.
Shahwani emphasized the strategic importance of Gwadar as the center of CPEC, with several initiatives underway to develop the city under the Smart Port City Master Plan. Projects providing basic amenities to local residents have already been completed, such as clean water supply, hospitals, schools, roads, parks, and fishing jetties.
He highlighted the vast investment opportunities in Gwadar’s blue economy, including real estate, tourism, and small and large industries. GDA is ensuring safe and profitable investments through initiatives like one-window facilities, smart governance, and online portals for citizens.
Shahwani added that the collaborative efforts of Chinese officials, along with federal and provincial governments, are yielding positive results for the local population. The New Gwadar International Airport, set to be the largest in the country, will be a major milestone for the region’s economic and tourism development upon its completion later this year.
