'Explore and Uplift Gwadar' conference highlights China-Pakistan ties

To highlight the significance of Gwadar as an emerging business hub for Pakistan and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the "Explore and Uplift Gwadar" conference was held at the Gwadar Port Business Center on November 5, 2024. 

Government officials, diplomats, business leaders, experts and media professionals gathered to discuss the importance and benefits of developing Gwadar Port, a flagship project of the CPEC. The conference included discussions on fisheries, shipping, real estate and tourism in Gwadar. 

Representatives from the Gwadar Development Authority, Gwadar Port Authority, and the business community from Karachi and Gwadar also attended the event.

Imran Ibrahim, director general of Fisheries Balochistan, focused on marine life and shrimp farming in an address at the event. He said that Gwadar has vast potential for the shrimp and fish industries and encouraged more investment in fisheries. 

Shafaqat Shahwani, director general of the Gwadar Development Authority, set out a comprehensive plan for Gwadar and outlined the hurdles Gwadar faced, including water, electricity and sewage system access.

Chinese Consul General Yang Yundong highlighted Gwadar Port as a flagship project of the CPEC and a vital node for regional connectivity. He noted significant progress has been made in port, logistical and agricultural cooperation between Chinese and Pakistani enterprises. Facilities such as the Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute, Desalination Plant and Pak-China Friendship Hospital have provided local residents with skills training, job opportunities and improved quality of life, he noted. 

Yang said that he hoped the new Gwadar International Airport will soon become a major hub for regional connectivity. He emphasized that China continues to implement "small and beautiful" livelihood projects to benefit the local community and expected Pakistan to enhance the security environment in Gwadar.

The event was jointly organized by Mass Human Resource Services and China Overseas Port Holding Company, and supported by Pakistan Navy Western Command, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry, the Association of Builders And Developers of Pakistan, Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dimension Solution and the All Pakistan Shipping Association.