QUETTA, Dec 3: The first phase of the Gwadar port has been completed and a formal announcement about its operation will be made on the birth anniversary of the Founder the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah, on Dec 25.

This was stated by the general manager of the Chinese company at the port site on Friday while briefing the governor on the progress of work on the project during the latter's visit to the site.

He further informed the governor that the port would be formally handed over to the Pakistan government on April 18, 2005. He hoped that the Chinese premier might attend the opening ceremony and a date would soon be announced.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor thanked the Chinese government for completing the mega project and said that not only the hard work but also the blood of Chinese workers had made this dream come true and it would always be remembered by the people of Pakistan.

He said this great project was yet another living example of the ever-lasting friendship and cooperation between China and Pakistan. This project is the cornerstone in the economic development of Pakistan and Balochistan and it would change the fortune of its people.

He said local people were being given employment in this project on a preferential basis and they had been trained to operate the machinery and equipment installed at the port. Another 100 youths had been sent to Karachi and Islamabad for training and this process would continue in future as well.

The governor said the port would be linked with the hinterland and Central Asia and Afghanistan through a network of roads and railways. The development of Gwadar town had also been started by the Gwadar Development Authority under a master plan.

The general manager of the Chinese company thanked President Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and different organizations for their cooperation in execution of the project. He said his company would implement the second phase of the project with similar dedication and hard work.

SECURITY SITUATION: Earlier, the governor attended a briefing on security arrangements of the port and expressed satisfaction over measures. Chief Security Officer Brig Basit Rana informed the governor about security arrangements.

Later, the governor inspected sites of the new airport, industrial zone and export processing zone. He also travelled on Gwadar-Pasni section of the newly-completed coastal highway. Other officials and District Nazim of Gwadar Babu Gulab also accompanied the governor during the journey.