ISLAMABAD, March 9: Oman is planning significant investment in Balochistan, including in the expansion of Gwadar airport and construction of jetties at Gwadar port.

A number of investment projects would come under discussion when Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meets here on Monday.

Adviser to the prime minister on finance Shaukat Aziz would lead Pakistani side while Sheikh Bin Hilal Bin Ali Al-Khalili, Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries of the Sultanate of Oman would lead his eight-member delegation.

The two sides would cover areas of mutual interest and economic cooperation relating to the improvement of air-traffic between the national carriers of the two countries.

The fourth session of the JMC would discuss projects relating to the extension of Gwadar airport, upgraduation of Gwadar hospital, construction of seven jetties at the Gwadar Port, provision of 100 engines by Oman to the fishermen and augmentation of water supply schemes in Balochistan.

The JMC would finalise projects for a $7 million grant announced by Sultan of Oman during his visit to Pakistan in April 2001. The Omanese government has already provided 43 new generators to the province.

For the utilization of the grant, Pakistan has already furnished projects relating to the construction of Gwadar-Hoshab Road, Water Supply Scheme from Shadi Kaur Dam to Pasni town, construction of three irrigation dams and replacement of pipes from Akrakaur Dam to Gwadar and Jiwani towns.

The delegation will also call on Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali and Food and Agriculture Minister Yar Muhammad Rind.

The JMC will specially focus on cooperation in the manpower sector that will provide more job opportunities to Pakistanis in Oman.

Oman has sought to benefit from Pakistanis’ experience in light and medium industry for the development of Omani industrial sector.

Oman is also keen on having joint projects for investment in the agricultural, livestock and industrial sectors. The two sides would also discuss setting up of industrial units in the free trade zones.

President Gen Pervez Musharraf visited Oman in June, 2000. The visit was reciprocated by Sultan Qaboos Bin Said in April, 2001.

During the visit, Sultan Qaboos announced a grant of $50 million for long-term assistance to Balochistan.

As a result, $12.5 million were provided for the setting up of Pakistan-Oman Investment Company. Additionally, $3.5 million were provided by Oman to set up two Information Technology (IT) chairs in the name of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said at the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore and at the NED University, Karachi.