QUETTA: China has shown interest in investing in projects pertaining to communications, port, education and solar energy in the port city of Gwadar.
At a meeting held in Gwadar on Thursday, a delegation of the China National Reforms and Development Commission offered assistance for the development of Mirani dam command area in Kech district and execution of a solar energy project in Gwadar, besides bringing investment in other sectors in Balochistan.
Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Federal Minister for Development and Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Port and Shipping Kamran Michael and provincial Chief Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh Mohammad attended the meeting. The Chinese delegation comprised commission’s Vice Chairman Zhang Xiao Jiang, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Wei Dong and a Chinese consular based in Karachi, Ma Yaou.
The meeting mulled over a number of projects, including launching of Karachi-Pasni-Gwadar ferry service in collaboration with China, construction of low-cost or free of cost housing schemes for the people of Gwadar, provision of loans to government employees in Balochistan and technical assistance for running water pumps and boats with solar energy.
Members of the Chinese delegation said China would extend technical support for the establishment of small industries in Gwadar and units for boat manufacturing and processing of fish and dates. Education projects would be initiated for local youths.
The meeting was informed that Chinese doctors would frequently visit Gwadar for providing medical facilities to local people.
It was decided that local people would be provided employment in industries and other projects to be carried out by Chinese investors.
The meeting was informed that China would construct dams for the preservation of rainwater and establish marble-cutting factories.
The chief minister said the planned railway track from Kashgar to Gwadar would boost trade and economic links between Pakistan and China and general employment opportunities in the region.
He said the local people of Gwadar would be main beneficiary of these projects.