In line with the federal government’s policy to create an investment and trade-friendly environment in the country, a dedicated team was constituted to draft the International Transshipment Rules.
“The team, keeping in view the emergent China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)-related trade and to facilitate transit trade in general, has drafted the rules in the shortest possible time,” said a statement issued on Thursday. “After vetting by the Law Division, these rules are being published for a review by the public and if any feedback is received, the same will be incorporated.”
It may be added that the Gwadar Port was already included in the “transit rules” framed under the Afghanistan–Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) 2010.
As per the statement, Prime Minister Imran Khan has been paying special attention to the development of Balochistan; a dedicated body namely National Development Council was created for the uplift of the province.
In the first meeting of the National Development Council on 26th August, infrastructure development of Gwadar Port was given special preference. The agenda of the meeting included improvement of security in the border regions, budgetary support, recruiting locals in public sector jobs, improving road infrastructure, development of coastal areas, establishment of special economic zones at hub, development of Gwadar Port, and exploration of oil and gas.
Recently, some Afghan businessmen have shown their intention to utilise Gwadar Port for the transportation of Afghan Transit Cargo. Both the international transshipments and transit rules would generate economic activities in Balochistan.
