China's Role in Gwadar's Development

Gwadar has become the hub of the entire region when China put hands on it. Pakistan and China are expanding the features and bonding through CPEC-China Pakistan Economic Corridor. The Gwadar port is developed by COPHCL-China Overseas Ports Holding Company Limited. It is providing several opportunities for socioeconomic development in Baluchistan and for Pakistan overall. However, the port of Gwadar is not meeting the results that are desired, as said by many. The quality of development and speed is carrying at the port, and the city is quite daunting.

COPHCL Role

To start the operations at the Gwadar port, China Overseas Ports Holding Company Limited (COPHCL) is building state of the art infrastructure. The authorities of government are working slowly to get ready the city of Gwadar for future economic activities in this part of the country. Gwadar city is deficient in necessary substructure, and there are other concerns also which include the urban landscapes apparent incoherence. Many of the stakeholders have shown their interest, and the difference in the speed of development will bring more challenges to a grave contradiction in between the port and the city.

The government needs to refine the infrastructure of Gwadar city. It is a better option as the port is expected to entice the businesses and labor force to host. Some structures and policies are required to be executed for the development of a city, which helps to be business-friendly and rewarding in communal and cultural elements to its native and the new ones who will settle here.

China's Benefits

One of the vital reasons for developing the economic corridor is the geostrategic position of Pakistan. Its one side is linked with non-coastal countries while the other is connected with the countries of oil-producing. Pakistan is surrounded by the Arabian Sea, two essential economies India, and China and by Iran also. So, this project linked Pakistan and China with more than 60 countries. CPEC has made an enormous attraction of globalization special mode. The project objective is to promote regional association, economic abstract, and evolution of special economic zones. Moreover, various Hydro, Coal, Nuclear, Energy, and Solar power of about 21,690 MW are major projects of CPEC with the establishment of economic zones, advancement of Gwadar Seaport, and International Airport. 

China has a strong potential to benefit Pakistan in terms of economic development. In previous years, China became the biggest trading partner with Pakistan. CPEC aims to advantage 66% population of the world, which includes Asia, Africa, and Europe, and it's a project of "Belt and Road Initiative." Both countries are sharing a strong bond not only in terms of economics and trading but keeping the peace and right strategies all over. Both countries have exchanged multiple visits and face lots of hardships together since the launch of CPEC.

Author: Alina Nasir