ISLAMABAD: The first project of the Free Zone (Commercial Logistic Zone) is expected to start by the end of March or the beginning of April in Gwadar Port this year. China Overseas Ports Holding Company Limited (COPHCL), Gwadar Port Operator, is finalizing the Free Zone Master Plan.
Gwadar Port is the deepest ‘ Port in the country with a depth of 14.5 meters. First phase of the port was completed in 2006, which consists of a multipurpose terminal (with three berths, one Roll-Off/Roll-On facility and one service berth) and all required equipment and machinery,” a source privy to Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Michael told Customs Today.
The source said that a number of delegations from China comprising businessmen, industrialist, investors and government officials visited Gwadar district evincing keen interest in the development of Gwadar Port and Free Zone.
Therefore, it is expected that the year 2016 shall be the take-off year for China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar Port. GPA and COPHCL have set targets with a 100% increase in cargo handling during 2016, and start of the Free Zone. Moreover, efforts are being made to make Gwadar Port and its Free Zone as important areas for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Pakistan.
The source recalled that due to lack of rail and road connectivity, deficiency and unavailability of water, power, and gas resources and un-unavailability of required commercial and industrial facilities in Gwadar had hampered to fully utilize prospects of greater trade and economic development of Pakistan.
However, under the Concession Agreement COPHCL has been rehabilitating the unused and out-dated port equipment, machinery, facilities, finalization of the Port Development Plan and infrastructure and superstructures (port machinery and equipment) are being improved to enhance port operations.
Moreover, CPEC, plan is to construct Gwadar East Bay Expressway, with Chinese assistance to connect Gwadar Port with the under-construction M-8 and N-85. Thus Gwadar shall have its direct link to Rathodero-Sukkur, and Quetta through Turbat, Panjgoor, and Soorab.
