QUETTA: Balochistan will become a regional hub of trade and economic activities with the completion of mega projects under the China-Pakistan Econ­omic Corridor (CPEC), Balo­chistan Governor Justice retired Amanullah Khan Yasinzai said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the Friends of China Forum roundtable, the provincial governor said that China was the biggest producer of various products and at the same time it was also a big consumer country in the world.

“In view of this fact, our industrialists and investors need to come forward and take benefit from the available incentives in Gwadar,” he added.

Chinese Consul General to Karachi, Li Beijian, Chairman of the China Overseas Ports Holding Company Zhang Baozhong, adviser to the Pakistan Tehreek Insaf for Pak-China Cooperation Bayzed Khan Kasi, leading industrialists, business leaders and traders across the province attended the conference.

The participants discussed prospects of taking benefits of the facilities extended by the government, economic changes which were happening in the region as well as new opportunities of trade with other countries and investments in Balochistan.

Governor Yasinzai underlined the need for giving attention on providing facilities to the younger generation on technical education and learning modern skills in view of CEPC.

“The government should take all possible steps for making all technical institutions functional and evolve a comprehensive strategy for establishing new skills learning centers and technical institutes in the province,” he said.

He lauded the Chinese government for providing special incentives to the business community and traders of Balochistan.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2021