Gwadar, May 4, 2024 – A significant stride towards economic development and self-sufficiency in agriculture was made today as Federal Minister for Marine Affairs, Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh, inaugurated the Free Zone Agriculture Industrial Park in Gwadar.
The event took place at the bustling China Business Center, attended by dignitaries including Chairman Gwadar Port Authority, Pansad Khan Bilidi, and Chairman of China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPAC), reflecting the deepening collaboration between Pakistan and China.
The inauguration ceremony was marked by a sense of achievement and optimism about Gwadar’s role in regional development. Minister Sheikh, appointed by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to oversee and expedite the ongoing mega projects in Gwadar, highlighted the recent accomplishments in the area. “Our collective efforts have already brought significant advancements, including the provision of 100 MW of electricity from Iran, construction of dams, desalination plants, roads, and hospitals, which are crucial for the local community,” stated Sheikh.
One of the central achievements discussed was the newly installed desalination plant in the free zone. Capable of processing 12 lakh gallons of water daily, this plant is set to provide a much-needed water supply to Gwadar’s citizens. The Minister assured that the final steps of connecting the desalination plant to the city’s water network are underway and would be completed shortly.
The establishment of the Free Zone Agriculture Industrial Park is expected to boost the agricultural sector by providing state-of-the-art facilities and technological support to farmers and agribusinesses. This initiative not only aims to increase agricultural productivity within the region but also to foster a more sustainable and technologically advanced farming environment.
Chairman COPAC emphasized the strength and significance of the Pakistan-China partnership in these ventures, stating, “The execution of projects like these under the economic corridor framework is a testament to the strong bilateral ties and shared vision of development between our two nations.”
The park is part of a broader initiative to transform Gwadar into a pivotal economic hub in the region, integrating trade, industry, and now agriculture, into its rapidly developing infrastructure. The strategic position of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea lends itself well to becoming a gateway that could link several important economic zones across Asia and beyond.
As Gwadar continues to develop, the completion of such projects is crucial for its economic stability and growth. The Free Zone Agriculture Industrial Park is a beacon of progress, promising prosperity not only for Gwadar but for the whole of Pakistan. With continued support and collaboration from international allies like China, Gwadar is poised to achieve remarkable things in the coming years.
