Pakistan and China jointly organised the first international exhibition to showcase the significance of the Gwadar Port and its economic free zone as an emerging global business hub. The exhibition, jointly arranged by Gwadar Port Authority and China Overseas Port Holding, was attended by foreign diplomats, entrepreneurs and over 5,000 business representatives from all over the world. According to report, more than 200 companies from both Pakistan and China were present at the Gwadar Expo while six Chinese provinces also sent their representatives. Foreign diplomats and business leaders were also invited to the opening session of the two-day event. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi inaugurated the International Gwadar Expo and preliminary phase of Gwadar Free Zone. Speaking on the occasion, he said the fundamental objective of organising the Expo was to highlight Gwadar Port and free zone as a trade hub. Expo-2018 would bolster economic cooperation amongst the regional countries, he affirmed. Abbasi said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was the vision of the Chinese president and Nawaz Sharif. He added the CPEC was a game-changer project not only for Pakistan but also for the whole region and would pave the way for communication with Central Asia.
Abbasi termed the free zone a mandatory part of Gwadar Port and added functionalisation of any port sans this facility was impracticable. He went on to say that the Gwadar project would develop Balochistan and create numerous job opportunities. He urged the Balochistan government to plan the development of the coastal areas, adding the federal government would assist the province in this respect. He maintained China had launched many power projects and special focus was being laid on an end to environmental pollution. Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing said the Expo was so big event that more than 200 companies from Pakistan and China were participating in it. Planing Minister Ahsan Iqbal said Gwadar Port would revolutionise not only Balochistan but also the whole Pakistan and region. Finally projects under China Pakistan Economic Corridor are producing tangible results. Gwadar is occupying central position in the region and converting the area into a huge trade centre. Gwadar Expo is a historical event and it will boost economic and trade activities in Pakistan. China’s role in initiating development and trade activities in Pakistan is laudable. It will further strengthen economic cooperation between them and both countries will enjoy its benefits in future.
