PM Abbasi inaugurates two-day Gwadar Expo 2018

KARACHI: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday inaugurated a two-day Gwadar Expo 2018 aimed to boost economic activities of Pakistan and China.

Speaking at inaugural ceremony of the Gwadar Expo, the premier said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project was a proof of everlasting friendship between China and Pakistan. The project will not only benefit two countries, but the entire region, he added.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing reaffirmed to support Pakistan for further progress and prosperity. He said the Chinese businessmen will continue to invest in the developmental projects of Gwadar.

He said the CPEC project was the project of common development and prosperity, adding that development of locals was a major purpose behind the Gwadar projects.

Chinese companies are being encouraged to invest in Pakistan, the ambassador said and added with support of both the countries, projects underway in Gwadar will contribute to the process of development.

The expo has been described as an opportunity to provide a platform for interaction between local and foreign businesses, financiers, investors and government officials to utilize the benefits of this mega project for enhanced investment, business and employment opportunities.

The expo is being jointly organized by Gwadar Development Authority and China Overseas Ports Holding Company.

A business centre has also been set up by the China Overseas Ports Holding Company, which will provide a one-window operation for matters including immigration, customs, visa operations and port clearance facilities.

Chairman China Overseas Port Holding Company Zhang Baozhong has said with construction of Free Zone, the port city of Gwadar would become a big commercial hub in the region.

In an interview, the Chairman COPHC said development of Gwadar would help improve the overall economic conditions of the country and also of the local people.

Zhang said for construction of Gwadar Free Zone, China had employed around two thousand local people keeping in view their involvement in the mega project.

He said Expo which would attract delegations from countries including Iran, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates would help proper marketing of local products including fishing, embroidery and dairy products.