Quetta - Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said Wednesday that East Bay Expressway (EBE) project was a reflection of the vision of ex-premier Mian Nawaz Sharif and his Chinese counterpart and an indelible testimony of Pak-China friendship.
The expressway will connect Gwadar Port with Makran Coastal Highway and these projects would play pivotal role in the development of Gwadar, said the prime minister addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of East Bay Expressway in Gwadar.
“East Bay Expressway is a proof of Pakistan and China friendship and progress of Gwadar Port is an exemplary precedence of bilateral cooperation,” said Abbasi on the occasion.
The premier said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would give new dimensions to the friendship of both countries.
A free economic zone would consummate this year in Gwadar and construction work on vocational center and hospital was underway in the Port City, said Abbasi, adding, foundation of airport would soon be laid in Gwadar. He also indicated the construction of establishing an electricity grid in the city.
“Uplift projects worth Rs170 billion are under construction in Gwadar and all these projects of basic structure would render significant role in Gwadar’s development.” He hoped these projects would turn Gwadar a hub for international trade.
The prime minister said that efforts were underway for redressing issues of electricity and water in Gwadar and optimistically attached hopes that efforts to resolve issues of the Port City would become visible in some weeks.
He also issued directives to the interior minister for making access of Gwadar till Pak-Iran border and ordered to ensure opportunities of employment and prosperity to the local population.
He directed that the series of development projects for Gwadar be completed on time to ensure that the port emerges on the world map as a major trade hub.
The prime minister said the economic-free zone would be completed this year.
The Prime Minister said these infrastructure projects would go a long way in generating economic activity in the country and ensure its progress. He said the 19.5 km, six-lane expressway would ease cargo handling through road and increase connectivity with rest of the country. The project would improve logistic transportation of import and export. He hoped the completion of the East Bay Expressway would cut short travel time between major cities. The prime minister said the East Bay Expressway was a symbol of the lofty Pakistan-China friendship and said the CPEC would further strengthen and deepen their strategic partnership.
Abbasi said these projects would transform the small fishing town to a global shipping port. He said Gwadar would soon be on world map, owing to the CPEC project.
He said work was going on to provide electricity and clean drinking water for the local residents and said it was the responsibility of the government of Pakistan to address these issues.
He said the local people of Gwadar need to be accommodated at all levels, and be provided training, capacity building, education so that they are seamlessly integrated into the new jobs being offered. He said he was appreciative of the local boat building industry and said it was part of the local heritage and needs to be encouraged. He asked the provincial government to submit its suggestions in this regard and said the federal government would fully support the traditional trade and encourage it.
He said work on road to Khuzdar was being completed and would transform the entire landscape. He said today Gwadar was at a distance of hours and not days anymore.
He said the CPEC was not limited to any particular province, but was for the progress and prosperity of the country and said it has the support from across the political divide. There is no opposition to the CPEC, and said difference of opinion was part of democracy. However, he said today all parties stand united for the completion of the project.
He hoped it would be a landmark project and hoped other projects at Gwadar would be completed soon.
Zehri says CPEC to bring new era of development
Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri said CPEC will bring new era of development and prosperity not only for Port City of Gwadar and Balochistan but for all areas of the country.
Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of East Bay Expressway project, Zehri emphasised that CPEC was part of the Chinese splendid “One Belt One Road” project which he termed a reflection of global vision of the Chinese leadership.
“The CPEC preliminary projects have entered into key stages of its completion,” the chief minister said, adding this long-term project of Pakistan and China would give new dimensions to bilateral economic cooperation, and expand social-contacts and new heights.
The chief minister said 70 per cent population of Balochistan lived in rural areas whose sole livelihood was agriculture and livestock. He said developing these sectors could offer ample employment opportunities to the people of the province.
The chief minister aid no power of the world would be allowed to sabotage CPEC. Governor Balochistan, federal and provincial ministers, lawmakers, and high Chinese officials, apart from civil and military officials of the country, were present on the occasion.