Gwadar Port
The government has decided to route 50 percent of the country’s total public sector imports through the Gwadar Port, despite all security and cost-related obstacles, to operationalize it and to jack up the role of CPEC. This facility will be provided by the National Logistic Cell as the process was deliberated upon during the meeting chaired by the Minister for Economic Affairs.
The Prime Minister ordered this change to decrease the load on Karachi and also to uplift Balochistan. All key stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sector hailed the decision, though security and connectivity concerns continue. The Gwadar Port Authority assured that improved security and infrastructure projects currently under implementation, like the M-8 motorway, would bring down the cost of transportation.
It is critical for a shift to Gwadar for both CPEC and regional development. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs said that the shifting would increase Gwadar’s economic potential manifold. The tax exemption given to the industries in the Free Zone for a period extending to 23 years is a big attraction for investors. Similarly, improved air access to the port is envisaged through the newly developed Gwadar International Airport.
Besides the price difference, which is higher in Karachi compared to Gwadar, the government has selected Gwadar for the time being to sort out its law and order issues and enhance the business activities of the locals. The NLC had successfully handled the wheat cargo from the port in the past and was ready to undertake the operational challenge on the rails. The stakeholders demanded improvement in road and rail infrastructure to avoid any hitch in the operations.
The TCP has already agreed to shift 50 percent of its cargo to Gwadar. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs will now move the final proposal to the Cabinet for approval as part of the government’s plan to make Gwadar a strategic hub for public sector imports and a cornerstone of long-term national development.
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