ISLAMABAD, Aug 17: Gwadar Port has the potential to attract both transit and trans shipment trades as it provides an alternative route to Gulf countries as well as Central Asian Republics.

This was observed during a meeting of Senate standing committee on communication at the Parliament House on Tuesday. Senator Kamil Ali Agha presided over the meeting. The committee was briefed on the Gwadar Port and Islamabad- Peshawar Motorway (MI) projects.

Chairman Gwadar Port Implementation Authority Akbarali Pesnani informed the committee that the authority was responsible for initiating all development works and infrastructural activities including establishment of special economic zone besides exploring opportunities to attract investment for infrastructure at the port.

He said the project would be completed in two phases. In the first phase, three multi-purpose berths of 200 meter each with 350 meter backup areas were being built. Work in the first phase is in advance stage of competition while the second phase envisaged construction of seven additional berths of 300 meters and two oil piers.

The construction of the second phase would facilitate accommodation of oil tankers, bulk carriers, general cargo vessels and generation containers ships. Chairman National Highway Authority (NHA) also made a presentation on the overall progress of Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (MI) Project.