ISLAMABAD, March 18: Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Babar Khan Ghauri, has said that the application of certain laws should be held in abeyance or set-a-side for the special Economic Zone at Gwadar to attract investors. The minister was chairing a meeting, on “Exemption of Gwadar Special Economic Zone form the application of certain laws”. Mr Ghauri said that Gwadar Port had been constructed with a huge public money for the prosperity and development of the country especially the welfare of the backward masses of Balochistan. To flourish the business activities at Gwadar, a special economic zone has been established where investor needs incentive which is only possible when the application of certain laws be held in abeyance/set-a-side i.e. relief in the federal taxes as much as possible and amendment in labour laws, supply of electricity on concessional rates. He said that atmosphere for investors on the ports in Dubai, Chah-e-Bahar and Jabal Ali are very conducive. If such an atmosphere be created at Gwadar Ports, the investors will surely invest in different sectors. The participants of the meeting expressed their views on the subject.
Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Salman Shah said that the present regime desired to make Gwadar Port a successful venture by providing the maximum facilities to investors. He proposed that some share of its earning be given to Balochistan government to run its affairs.
The incentives availed by investors at Dubai, Chah-e-Bahar Jabal Ali, Jawahar Lal Port of India and Sea Ports of China be studied and discussed in the next meeting in details in order to drive a positive conclusion in the interest of public.
Federal Minister for Labour, Sarwar Khan expressed his views on the exemption of 6 Labour Laws, especially on the Industrial and Commercial ordinance 1969 and Workmen Compensation Act 1973 and assured every co-operation of his ministry to that effect. Mrs Zobaida Jalal, Federal Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education said that much emphasis be given to provide most essential requirements for the proposed zone in which supply of potable water, laying of optic fibres for telephones, connecting the sea port through roads and rail.
Mr Sikandar Bosan Federal Minister for Food also expressed his views on the subject related with his Ministry. Mr. Akbar Pasnani Chairman, Gwadar Port Implementation Authority said that long term policies be made to attract the investors at Gwadar by giving preference to national interest.
