ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 The government has decided to carryout cement export activities in future from the Gwadar Port, while some part of wheat and fertiliser imports will also be shifted to the port.

This was stated by Minister for Industries and Production Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo while talking to the Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Aslam Raisani, who called on him here on Tuesday.

Watoo observed that the shifting of some exports and imports to this port would enhance trade and business activities in the Balochistan province, besides creation of jobs for the local people.

He said the federal government has prepared various plans for the development of the province, including supply of clean drinking water, development of precious stones industry, setting up an export processing zone, opening of utility stores and introducing tax holiday scheme for the Gwadar Port.

He disclosed that the ministry of industries and production was spending 80 per cent of its development budget in Balochistan. He assured the chief minister that the Gwadar Port would be transformed into a modern seaport of the world as its location is very attractive for cargo movement to and from the UAE, China and the Middle East.

Mr Wattoo disclosed that he had requested the prime minister that the next cabinet meeting should be held at the Gwadar Port as this will provide an opportunity to the cabinet members to share their ideas about the potential of the port.

The Balochistan chief minister discussed matters related to various development plans initiated by the federal government, especially the ministry of industries in the province. He urged the federal government to expedite trade activities at the Gwadar Port and shift bulk cargo handling there as it is fully capable of doing the job.

He said the people and the government of Balochistan were grateful to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for his interest in the development of the province and assured his full cooperation to the federal government in carrying out development projects in the area.

Later, Mr Wattoo and Mr Raisani visited the office of the PM adviser on Finance and discussed with him ways and means to give a tax-free-zone status to the Gwadar Port.