Four factories to start production in Gwadar by the end of 2017

ISLAMABAD: Federal government is beefing up efforts to start production activities in at least four factories in Gwadar by December, 2017.

Over 300 Chinese ships had docked at port since 2008 but a lot was needed to be done if Gwadar wanted to emerge as multi-dimensional and multi-purpose port of region.

Four factories would start production by December, 2017. Among these four conglomerates, one is Pakistani automobile company which has already established strong footholds in the Chinese market.

Talking to a private news channel, Chairman Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Dostain Jamaldini said, "Chinese government has decided to fund mega-project. So far, Beijing has invested Rs.16 billion on construction activities at Gwadar Port. Chinese engineers have completed 90 percent of rehabilitation work. Likewise, agreement has been inked with two shipping lines named Sinotrans and Cosco".

Jamaldini further said, "We receive one or two ships in fifteen days but frequency would eventually pile up to three ships per week in upcoming months".

Jamaldini stressed on continuity of policies in their true letter and spirit for making port city the new economic capital of Pakistan. Jamaldini said Gwadar would be second major city that would be built by Pakistan in 70 years.

China has already invested US$ 50 million in free-trade zone at Gwadar. At least 300 Chinese engineers and subordinate staff have arrived in last six months, he informed.