Gwadar epicentre of CPEC, gateway to prosperity: Pakistani Planning Minister

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Sami Saeed has said that Gwadar was the epicentre of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and a gateway to prosperity not only for Pakistan but also for the entire region.

In a meeting with Chairman of China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC) Yu Bo here, he maintained that Gwadar was among the top priorities of the Pakistani government.

He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering dedication to expediting the implementation of projects under the CPEC.

Sami Saeed emphasized the pivotal role of Gwadar in the CPEC initiative.

He underlined the extensive development efforts being poured into Gwadar to transform it into a world-class port and logistics hub, which, in turn, is expected to generate new employment opportunities and contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economic growth.

According to an official statement, Saeed reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to swiftly address any unresolved issues concerning CPEC. He stressed the establishment of a high-level mechanism in collaboration with China to promptly address any concerns that may arise during the implementation of the project.

Chairman Yu Bo provided an update on the progress of the Gwadar Free Zone and Gwadar Free Port.

He emphasized the significance of Gwadar within the broader CPEC framework, highlighting that the initial phase of Gwadar’s port and city development, alongside the Gwadar Free Zone, had been successfully completed, marking a substantial achievement.

Chairman Yu Bo also underscored how COPHC’s decade-long involvement had remarkably transformed Gwadar from a modest village into a thriving, technologically advanced city.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in this vital area.”