ISLAMABAD - The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has signed an MoU with the China Overseas Ports Holding Company Pakistan (Private) Limited (COPHC) to set up a facilitiation centre in Gwadar free zone, which will extend assistance to investors to do business in Pakistan. On this occasion, the Gwadar port and free zone, business initiative and consultative seminar was graced by Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo.

The MoU’s objective is to facilitate coordination and cooperation between the two entities through the establishment of a facilitation centre by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, which will play the role of a bridge between the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan’s registration offices and the potential investors on matters relating to the registration of companies and post-incorporation activities in Pakistan.

Sidney Pereira, additional registrar Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, and Zhong Bao Zhong, chairman China Overseas Ports Holding Company Pakistan, signed the MoU. Bizenjo, Dostain Khan Jamaldini, chairman, Gwadar Port Authority, Mu Yongpeng, acting consul general of China in Karachi, and Khalid Pervez, secretary, ports and shipping, witnessed the signing ceremony which was held at a local hotel, here in Karachi.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has instituted numerous radical reforms, encouraging corporatization, i.e., substantial reduction in registration fee, providing complimentary certified copies, offering incorporation of a company within one day, reducing the fast track registration time from four hours to two hours only, accepting payment of fee through online transfer of funds and credit card and issuing digital signature from NIFT electronically.

Speaking on the occasion, the guests highlighted that China Overseas Ports Holding Company Pakistan is a concession holder at Gwadar port engaged in the construction, development and operations of Gwadar port and Gwadar free zone.

The government has transferred 637 acres of land for free zone which, will be developed in a phased manner starting with state-of-the-art commercial centre, complete infrastructure such as roads, drainage, water treatment and supply, electricity, gas and telecommunication network, warehousing facilities, built in offices, built-in light industrial units, and developed plots will be offered to prospective investors.

This move comes in the backdrop of the recent announcement by the government of incentivized package under the Finance Act 2016 for industrialists and entrepreneurs who are vying to venture in the Gwadar free zone.

The development of this zone is envisaged to attract local and foreign direct investment.