CHINESE Ambassador Yao Jing has announced that his country
is going to establish 19 factories in Gwadar, and it will boost the job market opportunities for the youth of Balochistan. Speaking to journalists in Quetta, the envoy remarked that China is eager to develop Balochistan’s mining, agriculture, fisheries and water sectors.
The announcement has effectively negated the propaganda unleashed by some vested interests about lack of interest by Chinese government in the development of Balochistan. The fact remains that whatever obstacles there might be these are due to failure on the part of federal and provincial governments that have miserably failed to do the spadework required for speedy execution of projects and plans for welfare of the people under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. That is why the Ambassador urged the Pakistan Government to address the issues of some key departments which were causing hurdles in the implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The sincerity of China is evident from the fact that its consulate is easing visa procedure for the provincial business community, Chinese companies have been working on the provincial irrigation sector in order to help Balochistan which is marred by water crisis while 50 vocational centres are being established to impart latest skills to the youth so that they could benefit from the emerging job opportunities. Establishment of 19 factories would prove to be a milestone in the development of Gwadar as apart from provision of employment opportunities it would help attract investment from other potential investors as well. Plans for proper utilization of the port, establishment of a world class airport, projects for resolution of water problem for the city and network of roads to link Gwadar with rest of the province and beyond all speak of the Chinese commitment to harness potential of the port to accelerate socio-economic development of Balochistan and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.
