QUETTA: The Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has urged Japanese businesses to invest in various sectors in the coastal district as there were ample opportunities, especially in fisheries.

The president of GCCI, Naveed Kalmati, met Syed Nadeem Alam Shah, the honorary consul general of Japan for Balochistan, and Syed Ferooz Shah, the chief of Pakistan Japan Business Forum and adviser to the federal government’s Board of Investment, on Saturday.

Mr Kalmati led a delegation of the GCCI during the meeting with the honorary consul general. A number of newly elected chairmen of local bodies also accompanied Naveed Kalmati.

The delegation briefed the meeting about investment opportunities in Gwadar, expressing hope that the district would become the country’s economic hob after the Gwadar deep sea port becomes operational and industrial units are set up.

“Not only Pakistan but also central Asian states and other countries could benefit from the Gwadar port,” Mr Kalmati said. The fisheries sector offers ample opportunities for investment, he added.

Mr Kalmati added Japan should help Pakistani fishermen by providing marine engines, modern fishing nets and other latest equipment.

Mr Feroz said the business community had an important role in the economic development of Pakistan.

“Since the future development of Pakistan is linked with Balochistan, especially the Makran region, the government should invite investors from across the world for investment in Gwadar,” Mr Shah, the honorary consul general said.

“Japan has provided marine engines and other equipment to fishermen of Gwadar district in the past and will do so in future as well for developing the fisheries sector on modern lines,” he added.

Mr Shah underlined the need for establishing a foolproof security system on the lines of Japan and Dubai by adopting modern policing methods so that local and foreign investors are attracted to invest in Gwadar.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2023