ISLAMABAD: CPEC Authority Chairman Asim Saleem Bajwa on Friday said that the agreement for the establishment of Rashakai Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will be signed in the third week of August.
He said that the unprecedented socio-economic development in Gwadar and other parts of Balochistan has been initiated with the focus on ensuring the participation of local people in all the development projects.
Asim Bajwa who is also the Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting was chairing a special dialogue titled ‘Gwadar Port, free economic zone’s role in the prosperity of Balochistan; regional connectivity’ organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in Islamabad.
While dispelling the impression that the Rashakai SEZ project has slowed down, Bajwa said that the project is picking up momentum.
He said that the Gwadar port and the Gwadar airport have become fully functional and Afghan Transit Trade is being diverted towards Gwadar.
He said that the National Development Council, during its recent meeting has decided to have a special focus on the development of Balochistan.
Asim Bajwa said that the Gwadar District Economic Zone and the Gwadar City is being developed. He added that vocational training is also being provided to enable the local population to participate and reap full benefits from the development projects.
Ambassador of China to Pakistan Yao Jing while sharing his views with the participants said that Gwadar has huge potential for regional development and connectivity. He said that the Government of Pakistan and all concerned authorities including CPEC Authority have played a vital role in moving the project forward.
He said that several economic initiatives have already been taken by the Chinese government as well as Chinese companies with the help of local partners.
He added that Gwadar is not just a port but a comprehensive business project and the area offers a lot of potential for trade and investment due to the tax incentives announced by the Government of Pakistan.
He said that the Chinese government is committed to providing all resources that might be required for the future development needs of Gwadar.
He said that China wants to expand its cooperation for the development of Balochistan and that cooperation in agricultural development is being worked upon which includes testing cotton seed in Balochistan.
