GWADAR: The Chinese Consul General in Karachi, Ma Yaou, has said that his country is playing an important role in the development of the Gwadar port and making it fully functional is part of its efforts.

Speaking at a function at which three buses donated by the China Overseas Port Holding Company were handed over to the education department for local schools, he said Beijing would utilise all available resources for making Gwadar port the best port in the region. He said the Chinese company had determined its priorities for the welfare of local people, especially in the education and health sectors.

He said the proposed ‘economic corridor’ from Gwadar to Kashgar in China would bring economic revolution in the region.

“The Gwadar port has a very bright future and after completion and becoming functional it will emerge as a major economic hub in the region.”

The company has also given a grant to the district hospital and government boys and girls schools in Gwadar.

Gwadar Port Authority’s Chairman Dostain Khan Jamaldini said the town’s distance from China through the corridor would be 1,635km.

He said the authority had prepared a comprehensive plan to ensure that local people benefitted from the port. “The Gwadar Port Authority will implement welfare plans, including health and education projects, with funds to be provided by the China Overseas Port Holding Company.”

He said welfare of local fishermen would not be ignored and steps would be taken to promote the fisheries industry with which a majority of the population of the area was associated.

The chairman of the Chinese company handed over the buses to Education Secretary Ghulam Ali Baloch.

The Chinese consul general also visited the port, civic centre, the Gwadar Development Authority Hospital and the district hospital.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2014