Gwadar port is the key to economic prosperity, regional connectivity and maritime development for Pakistan
Interview with Mr Ahmed Chinoy, a renowned businessman
[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=””]PROFILE
Mr Ahmed Chinoy is a businessman by profession and social activist by nature. Being in his profession for over 25 years with a vast experience and knowledge, he is associated with the textile industry since the beginning of his career. His business has diversified into more categories that are: Construction Development, Project Management and Controlled Poultry Farms. He has served as the CPLC Chief for over 6 years and is associated with multiple NGOs working for the betterment of the country in different fields such as health, law and order situation, education and other departments. This work has led him to be the recipient of two highly prestigious National Awards: Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Hilal-e-Imtiaz. He is currently serving as the Elected Director of Pakistan Stock Exchange.[/box]
PAGE had an exclusive conversation with Mr Ahmed Chinoy regarding CPEC and infrastructure projects. Following are the excerpts of the conversation:
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is an outline of regional connectivity and good healthy relations between Pakistan and China. CPEC enhances the geographical linkages having improved roads, rails and air transportation systems with frequent and free exchanges of growth.
It is said to be the source of understanding flow of trade and businesses and enhancing co-operation by a win-win situation. CPEC connects Pakistan border to China via the port of Gwadar through road and railway linkage. With such a big project in line, the infrastructure and logistics need to be strengthened to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness within these sectors of Pakistan that will result in well-connected region of shared harmony and development.
With the emergence of global supply chain, efficient trade logistics is the key, Pakistan seeks to enhance its national transportation infrastructure by establishing an efficient and integrated transportation and logistics system for strengthening the transportation network and logistics infrastructure. Road and rail development networks will be introduced to challenge the transportation obstacles of all means. Key targets set in the national development initiatives for the transportation sector include reduction in transportation costs, effective connectivity between rural areas and urban centers and inter-provincial high-speed connectivity. Also high priority is given for the development of integrated road/rail networks between economic hubs(including air, sea and dry ports) and high capacity transportation corridors connecting with major regional trading partners.
Since the beginning, Pakistan has been indulged in providing facilitation to exporters through service providing companies mainly in the trade division. Trade facilitation is an important tool for improving the competitive edge of a country in the international market place. Every trade transactions success lies in achieving in-time delivery within the shortest possible lead time and at the least cost of doing business. This requires adoption of trade facilitation measures with cooperation and coordination of all the concerned parties. Logistics and trade facilitation companies in Pakistan have been effective in providing facilities and enhancing trade competitiveness.
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Trade facilitation measures are improving but exporters remain concerned about inefficiency in customs and infrastructure (for example freight, shipping and transport) as well as access to market intelligence. Past efforts at reforming customs procedures have not been considered effective due to weaknesses in customs administration and regulatory procedures, while poor infrastructure leads to delays and higher transport costs. Companies in Pakistan have faced troubles previously but the help of government in such scenarios in commendable. The government stands for improving its trade and enhancing its effectiveness. In a recent scenario where the transporters went on strike, it was the government that fought hard and made measures to end the strike and helped the transporters in providing their services.
Gwadar port is a deep-sea port situated on the Arabian Sea at Gwadar in Balochistan province of Pakistan. The port features prominently in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) plan. It was inaugurated by ex-president General Pervez Musharraf.
Gwadar port is of high importance as it will connect Islamabad, Karakoram Highway and the Chinese region of Xinjiang with Gwadar port. A special economic zone will be made including the manufacturing zones, logistics hubs, warehouses, and display centres. A promising thing about Gwadar is that the business established in the special economic zone will be exempted from Pakistani income, sales, and federal excise taxes for 23 years. Gwadar is the key to economic prosperity, regional connectivity and maritime development for Pakistan through increased businesses, job opportunities, foreign investments and tourism.