This November, the first ever exchange of shipments will be made under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. The shipment will come to Pakistan through the Sost border in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Under the $45 billion project, both countries have agreed and finalized the deal. Both China and Pakistan will start the trade activities under the CPEC agreement. The trading will start in November, starting with a specific import of goods through the newly developed route.
According to the sources, security arrangements have been made for the shipments to arrive in Pakistan. The shipment coming from China will undergo strict security and after that, it will be allowed to enter Pakistan through the Sost border. From there, it will be shipped via Gwadar Port, sources confirmed.
A government official said in his speech that it is a good start for the relationship between both countries as Pakistan will receive its first shipment in November. It will be a great start for both countries and their mutual relationship.
In case there is no chance of a heavy snowfall and the Sost border remains open till the mid of December, another shipment will enter Pakistan after the first one being shipped in the mid of November, said the official. However, the total number of shipments is still unknown to sources.
Despite the challenges both countries are facing these days, the government believes that this flagship is a sign of success for both the countries towards the development of the project.
In April 2015, Pakistan and China signed the CPEC project when the Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Pakistan. An estimated number of 52 MoUs were signed comprising of projects regarding infrastructure, the establishment of airports and sea ports and implementation of power projects throughout the country.
On the other hand, another symbol of Pak-China friendship was shown when MV Chang Hang Han Hai, arrived at the Gwadar Port along with a shipment of construction materials and other equipment.
These construction materials are to be used in the construction of the Gwadar Port free zone. The free zone is being constructed by China overseas Ports Holding Company Limited (COPHC). The construction material that arrived at the Gwadar Port included bulldozer trucks, cranes, electric cables, pipes, dumpers, rollers, and other accessories necessary for construction.
The port is being used since March 2008. Almost 176 ships have been loaded carrying wheat and urea and 6.330 million tons of shipment has been charged and discharged, in and out from the country.
Improved economy
Limited export of local fish has been shipping through the COSCO vessels twice a month. The reason is that the container business has started to hold its ground in the Gwadar Port. It has greatly boosted the county’s economy.
Due to the hard work of the Chinese Port Operator, COPHC, this is the second ship which will arrive at the Gwadar Port this month. This has become possible only by the determination and ambitious mindset of the Port Operator as he has been working on increasing the number of ships arriving at the Port. Earlier this month, a shipment including machinery and heavy construction material for the primary area of free zone was brought to Pakistan by MV Tian FU.
Source: ET
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