Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while addressing a ceremony marking the departure of the first major trade cargo from Gwadar Port emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to China’s One Belt-One Road initiative. He also appreciated the efforts of the government of Balochistan and the Pakistan Army for making the local population a stakeholder in the project. The ceremony was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Balochistan Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai, Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, and ambassadors of 15 countries. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong and Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri also addressed the audience, and appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders in the project. Executives from Sino Trans, a Chinese logistics company, also attended the ceremony as well as ministers for defence and planning, and a number of politicians, especially from Balochistan. The ceremony marked the largest gathering of VIPs hosted by Gwadar since it witnessed the signing of the 2009 National Finance Commission Award.
Earlier, the first trade convoy carrying Chinese goods for export through the western route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and a Chinese ship arrived at the Gwadar port on Friday. The convoy, comprising 60 containers, started its journey to Pakistan from Kashgar through western route, arrived in Quetta in the first phase and later departed for Gwadar. According to official sources, while one Chinese ship had been anchored at Gwadar Port on Friday, another reached there on Saturday. The goods will be exported to countries in the Middle East and Africa.
There is no doubt that CPEC project has the potential to kick-start the economic growth of Pakistan, which has languished behind the regional countries owning to certain domestic as well as external problems. The most important thing, however, will be ensuring the benefits of the project to the local population of Balochistan in general, and Gwadar in particular. There has been resentment in the people of Balochistan due to the events of past and certain discriminatory policies of the centre. Reconciliation will only work once the people of the region see the fruits of the project in terms of healthcare, education, infrastructure and job opportunities.
The same aspects underline the importance of the western route as well. While in the short term, the full-fledged trade might not be possible through the western route, arrangements should be made by bringing the locals onboard, highlighting the importance of the project to the people of those areas. The first convoy of trade goods from China was accompanied by heavy security throughout its route, which would cost a huge sum to the national exchequer if the route in not made safe from all kinds of threats and attacks.
Lastly, the authorities must ensure of the use of local labour in development projects to whatever extent it is possible. Efforts are needed to create a sense of harmony among the people of different regions working in Balochistan for the uplift-projects. Moreover, the dedication, selflessness and perseverance put by the Pakistan Army as well as the FWO must be recognised; these are the people who have been working and safeguarding the workers for the successful and peaceful implementation of the project. *
http://dailytimes.com.pk/editorial/14-Nov-16/as-the-first-chinese-ship-arrives-at-the-gwadar-port
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