#Gwadar Emerges as #CPEC ‘s Vital Nexus: COPHC Chairman Unveils Second Phase Plans

LAHORE (MNP) In a landmark meeting held at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. YO BO, Chairman of China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC), shed light on the transformative progress of Gwadar under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Amidst his revelations, Chairman YO BO emphasized that Pakistan’s economic circumstances were primarily responsible for only delays in CPEC development.

The gathering witnessed the convergence of top officials including LCCI President Kashif Anwar and Senior Vice President Zafar Mahmood Ch, alongside Mr. Wang, Deputy Manager of COPHC, Atif Khan, Convener of the LCCI S/C on Gwadar Coastal Tourism and Executive Committee Members.

The Chairman COPHC underscored the significance of Gwadar within CPEC, hailing it as the project’s pivotal axis. The first stage of Gwadar’s port and city development, along with the Gwadar Free Zone, has been completed, marking a substantial achievement. Chairman YO BO’s testimony outlined that COPHC’s decade-long stewardship had remarkably transformed Gwadar from a modest village into a thriving modern city, replete with cutting-edge technology.

Chairman YO BO highlighted China’s substantial investments in Gwadar’s growth, spanning construction, airport infrastructure, and healthcare facilities. The Gwadar Free Zone, which came under the auspices of the Free Zone Company in 2018, has already established a vibrant phase one, spanning 25 hectares adjacent to the port. Notably, this area has attracted six companies.

The North Free Zone, covering a sprawling 900 hectares, is positioned for industrial and warehousing purposes, and Chairman YO BO emphasized its role in processing raw materials for subsequent export.

Addressing Balochistan’s economic disparity, Chairman YO BO highlighted the region’s untapped potential, brimming with natural resources yet plagued by underdevelopment and negligible trade. The Gwadar port, however, is fully operational, equipped to manage both imports and exports.

Chairman YO BO’s visit wasn’t merely a formality; it was an invitation to the LCCI delegation to explore collaboration and investment opportunities in Gwadar. This gesture highlights China’s eagerness to foster joint ventures and establish industries, not just within Gwadar but also beyond its borders.

LCCI President Kashif Anwar reciprocated with enthusiasm, announcing a forthcoming business delegation to Gwadar. He hailed Gwadar’s paramount role within CPEC, accentuating its potential to catalyze regional connectivity, benefiting not only China and Pakistan but also adjacent nations such as Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asian Republics. He viewed CPEC as a cornerstone for Pakistan’s industrial and economic revitalization.

Despite the strides taken since CPEC’s inception in 2015, Anwar acknowledged that much remained to be realized. The eight-year journey saw the rise of new infrastructure, from extensive road networks to power plants and free zones. While acknowledging these advancements, Anwar’s focus remained on fully unlocking CPEC’s economic potential, looking toward COPHC and Chinese investors for guidance.

In response to queries from the LCCI, Chairman YO BO detailed the Gwadar port’s operational status, its cargo handling capacity, and plans for the Gwadar International Airport’s full-scale operation. He emphasized the port’s role in facilitating barter trade with Iran, Afghanistan, and Russia, and highlighted Gwadar’s strategic advantages over Port Qasim.