Is China’s 91percent share of the Gwadar port revenue fair?

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‍By CGTN's The Point

“I personally think it is fair,” said Sultan Hali, a Pakistani writer and security analyst. “There are so many other development opportunities, which include the international airport, the oil refineries, the railways. They are not in the division of 91% to 9%,” he explained.

“China is taking 91% because it is also investing the majority of the funds required for it.”

Hali’s comments came after China and Pakistan unveiled a long-term plan for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on Monday in Islamabad. The two countries committed to working together on the project until at least 2030 in areas ranging from infrastructure to social sectors, economic fields, tourism, education, and health.

The corridor has been described as a flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative, and the Gwadar port features prominently in CPEC.

But Chinese investment in Gwadar has raised concerns. Last month, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Mir Hasil Bizenjo, told Pakistan’s Senate that 91 percent of revenue generated from the port would go to China, while the Gwadar port Authority would get only a 9 percent share of the revenue for the next 40 years.

Sultan Hali, a writer and security analyst. /CGTN Photo

But Hali spoke highly of the CPEC. He said, “the Pakistan Vision 2025 is a very happy marriage with the CPEC. Therefore, it will be a fruition of two different dreams but have the same result.”

He also thought CPEC would benefit the whole region and suggested that India also join the project.

“Our eastern neighbor India has been critical of this particular project, but perhaps it has also missed the big picture because if it participates, it can benefit immensely,” he argued.

Zhang Jianping, Director General of the Center for Regional Cooperation at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation. /CGTN Photo

Zhang Jianping, Director General of the Center for Regional Cooperation at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, thought that with the CPEC project China and Pakistan are stepping onto a new stage for greater cooperation.

“Even if there is political instability in Pakistan, I think the diplomatic relationship, as well as social and economic relationship of the two countries, still keeps a good atmosphere,” he said.

The Point with Liu Xin is a 30-minute current affairs program on CGTN. It airs weekdays at 9.30 p.m. BJT (1330GMT), with rebroadcasts at 5.30 a.m. (2130GMT) and 10.30 a.m. (0230GMT).

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