development and operation of Gwadar free zone handed over to COPHC. The Gwadar free zone remains the most important factor. that will determine future relations between Pakistan and China. over the past several decades. The two countries have helped each other in the development of security. and even participated in military operations in the alliance. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s latest speech in which. he spoke of unbreakable ties and thanks to Pakistan. This clearly shows the good relations between the two countries.
Brief introduction
According to the concession agreement signed between China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC). Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) and Port of Singapore in 2013. the development and operation of the Gwadar Free Zone has entrusted to the COPHC Free Zone. Gwadar located in the northern part of Gwadar. It is approximately 7 km from the existing port. The planned development period is from 2015 to 2030 and divided into four phases. The free zone consists of the northern area (898 hectares). and the initial area (25 hectares), totaling 923 hectares.
Free zone development plan
The free zone development plan is already an overall concept of trade and commerce. Consolidate free zones and ports to strengthen industrial links between China and Pakistan. The free zone positioned to drive the economic growth of Gwadar. an international trade logistics hub under CPEC. The starting area of the free zone (25 ha) located west of the existing port. The main development direction is to play a pilot role. by setting up industry and providing cargo capacity for ports. Some of the projects in the early stages of construction. include infrastructure, business centers, trade exhibition halls, cold storage, warehouses. and fishery processing centers, etc.
Recent progress
- Infrastructure
- Pitch and foundation leveling is in progress. Building design, structure, water supply and drainage system, electricity, control system. high voltage alternating current (HVAC), foundation maintenance. and traffic engineering done. Temporary offices occupy 51868 m2, with 40 offices and 167 dormitories. working and living areas covering 35618 m2, production area 12475 m2, and local staff living area 3775 m2.
- Half of the infrastructure has already built.
- Business Center
- The preliminary design is under review by experts. And the contractor team has arrived and is preparing for work.
- Linyi Trade Exhibition Hall
- A team of contractors arrived on site and began preparations.
- Fishery Processing Center
- Karame Yufei Commerce and Trading Co. is completing the design. It launched in May 2017 and expected to completed by the end of 2017 and start operations in early 2018. Hebei Bishu Group Stainless Steel Factory
- The company is working on preliminary planning, design, environmental assessment and survey. Mid-Trans Vegetable Oil Extraction Project
- The preliminary design is in progress.
- Investment in Free Zone and Registration
Companies in the Free Zone
More than ten companies have applied to become companies in the Free Zone. including CCCC, Hebei Bishi Group, and Shandong Linyi Overseas Investment Company. Pakistan HBL Bank, Pakistan UBL Bank, Wuhan Ltd., and Chuwa Busan Co., Ltd. So far, a total of 12 companies have signed memorandums of understanding. and 4 of them have received official business licenses.
Located just 7 km north of the port. Gwadar has recently seen significant investment and development in the area. The region is commonly known as the Gwadar Free Zone. There has recently been a lot of controversy. over the tax exemption granted to businesses investing here. The Gwadar Free Zone is an important step to elevate relations between Pakistan and China to a new level. which is an important place in trade relations.
significant development
The Gwadar region of Baluchistan province is famous for its rich natural resources. However the Gwadar region defined by significant development. Unlike other naturally rich places in the world, local people have experienced. increasing poverty and unemployment in the distant past. But this will definitely change in the next few years.
Subsequent development projects
Construction in the Gwadar Free Zone began with a $250 million investment by Chinese giant China Overseas Ports Holding Ltd. Phase 1 launched in 2018, with Phase 2 currently under development. The company has built a modern industrial park of 25 acres with all modern facilities. This project and subsequent development projects have created employment opportunities for local people. Recent developments in Baluchistan have also taken too seriously by the authorities.
China and Pakistan have reached a strategic alliance by uniting
The Gwadar region of Baluchistan province is famous for its rich natural resources. However, the Gwadar region defined by significant development. Unlike other naturally rich places in the world. local people have experienced increasing poverty and unemployment in the distant past. But this will definitely change in the next few years. Construction in the Gwadar Free Zone began with a $250 million investment. by Chinese giant China Overseas Ports Holding Ltd. Phase 1.
Modern facilities
was launched in 2018, with Phase 2 currently under development. The company has built a modern industrial park of 25 acres with all modern facilities. This project and subsequent development projects have created employment opportunities for local people. Recent developments in Baluchistan have also taken too seriously by the authorities. China and Pakistan have reached a strategic alliance by uniting.
Also read: Gwadar today
