REGARDLESS of conspiracies being hatched against China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, Pakistan and China are appearing resolute in their commitments to take it forward with speed and addition of more projects in its domain becoming more rewarding for both the countries.
In yet another game-changer project, the federal government on Saturday unveiled an ambitious plan to rebuild Karachi’s coastline under the CPEC with $3.5b direct Chinese investment that aims to overhaul the city’s seaboard with new berths for the port, a new fishery port and a majestic harbour bridge, connecting it with Manora island and Sandspit beach.
By all means, it is a massive Chinese investment in an important area that will bring manifold advantages to Pakistan’s maritime economy and further strengthen its coastal development.
The decision to this effect was taken at the recently held meeting of Joint Coordination Committee (JCC).
Minister for Maritime Affairs Syed Ali Zaidi deserves appreciation for efforts he put in to include it in the CPEC projects.
As the project envisages a state of the art fishing port with a world-class fisheries export processing zone, it will immensely boost our trade potential.
It would also improve the marine ecosystem and reduce pollution by establishing a water treatment plant at the mouth of Lyari River.
This coastline project will change the entire landscape of Karachi, placing it amongst the top port cities of the world. Given its immense importance, there should not be any delay in execution of this project.
Chinese have proven capability to complete projects under the CPEC on fast tract basis in a timely manner be it related to road infrastructure or energy sector.
Our authorities concerned must extend full facilitation to them to embark on Karachi coastline plan at the earliest.
Our coastal areas are rich in bio-productivity and bio-diversity as they provide huge breeding grounds for commercially important fisheries including crabs and shrimps with a potential resource worth of more than $2b annually. Our coastal tourism also holds great promise.
A beginning has been made with the Chinese cooperation to exploit huge potential of blue economy and with the right kind of focus and interventions in future, we can really exploit it for the benefit of the country’s overall economy.
