Gwadar and PCEC are important for both China and Pakistan

By Mehar-un-nisa

Research Assistant NCMPR

“Gwadar is strategically located in proximity of major shipping routes emanating from the Gulf. Gwadar and Pakistan China Economic Corridor (PCEC) are important for both China and Pakistan,” said the CEO of China Overseas Port Holding Company Mr. Zeng Qingsong.

Speaking at Maritime Discourse on the topic “The Future of Gwadar” at Bahria University on 20^th March, 2015, he highlighted the significance of the Gwadar Port in the near future. He elaborated the economic and geographic importance of the Gwadar port by comparing statistics of other ports in Pakistan.

The CEO of China Overseas Port Holding Company, Mr. Zeng Qingsong highlighting the economic importance of Gwadar.

Maritime Discourse is a series of lectures, organized by National Centre for Maritime Policy Research (NCMPR). NCMPR organizes maritime discourse twice a year to provide a valuable platform for discussing maritime issues being faced by Pakistan.

The core objective to conduct this discourse was to shed light on the significance of Gwadar Port and the role it can play to boost the economy of Pakistan in future. Gwadar port offers multi-dimensional advantages and will influence the geo-strategic and economic environment in the region.

Gwadar Port

The Discourse began with the presentation of Director NCMPR Capt. Tariq Masood who highlighted the hinterland connectivity of Gwadar Port.

Guests of Maritime Discourse listening to the presentation of Director NCMPR Capt. Tariq Masood

He said “The hinterland connectivity of Gwadar needs to be seen in detail as the port efficiency largely depends on it Gwadar port has many options to serve the hinterland countries a s well as the neighbor Iran. The central Asian and Chinese individual bases can be connected through CAREC 1 to 6 corridors. Corridor 5 and 6 start from China and Kazakhstan respectively and both of them terminate at Turkham.”

Director NCMPR giving presentation on “hinterland connectivity of Gwadar Port

Additionally, Pakistan China Economic Corridor terminates at Gwadar. Iranian North South Corridors from Chabahar Bandar-e Abbas and Bushehr  can be connected via the coastal road from Gwadar to Gabd, Such geographic significance of Gwadar in the region can open new door for economic growth and progress” he added.

Hinterland connectivity of Gwadar

Director General NCMPR, Vice Admiral Asaf Humayun HI(M) (Retired) in his closing remarks said, “Gwadar is inching towards its development at a slow pace whereas the whole nation desired to see the progress and prosperity at a much faster pace.”

Director General giving his closing remarks

“Two things will actually determine that how fast Gwadar can progress, one is security and the other is connectivity”

He stressed on the need to have due regard to the preservation of environment, which should be a part of all development work in Gwadar  area.

Various intellectuals, senior officers of Pakistan Navy, renowned stakeholders of maritime sector, marine scientists, students of maritime studies and many other dignitaries attended this productive session.

“Activities similar to Maritime Discourse are essential to be conducted on continual basis, in order to create mass awareness regarding maritime sector, which we really need to highlight for the development of Pakistan,“ said Tabassum Naz, a guest.