Pakistan and China agree to build expressway linking Gwadar Port to New
Airport
Pakistan and China have agreed to build an expressway connecting Gwadar Port
with the new Gwadar International Airport, marking another significant
milestone under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.
Key Developments
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Pakistan’s Federal
Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, and
China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Li Ying, in Beijing. The two sides also
agreed to initiate feasibility studies for additional motorways, including the
Mirpur-Muzaffarabad and Karachi-Hyderabad routes.
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to expand Gwadar Eastbay Expressway to connect to New Gwadar International
Airport
Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed gratitude for China’s continued support in
Pakistan's transportation sector, emphasizing the transformative impact of
earlier CPEC projects, such as the Multan-Sukkur Motorway and Hazara
Expressway. He noted these projects have not only reduced travel times but also
unlocked new economic opportunities across the country.
Proposed Projects
Minister Iqbal underscored the urgency of expediting key infrastructure
projects, including:
- Karachi-Hyderabad
Section
- ML-1 (Main
Line-1 Railway Project)
- Karakoram
Highway Phase II
- Mashkhel
to Panjgur Highway in Balochistan, which could open a mineral corridor in
the region
Vice Minister Li Ying welcomed the proposals and reaffirmed China’s
commitment to advancing collaboration on these projects.
Financial Cooperation
In a subsequent meeting with the President of the Export-Import Bank of
China, Ms. Wang Shunning, Minister Iqbal outlined Pakistan’s economic recovery
initiatives and reforms in energy and taxation. He expressed gratitude for the
bank's support, particularly in financing Pakistan’s space satellite project,
and shared optimism about the approval of a new Space Center project.
Read More China
playing a crucial role in construction of Gwadar International Airport
Ms. Wang Shunning praised Pakistan’s recovery efforts and reaffirmed China’s
commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development agenda. She emphasized the
importance of the enduring Pak-China partnership and its role in fostering
mutual progress.
Strengthening the CPEC Partnership
These developments highlight the mutual determination of Pakistan and China
to strengthen their partnership under CPEC. The planned projects aim to enhance
connectivity, boost economic growth, and pave the way for sustainable
development and prosperity in both nations.
Source: Daily Pakistan