Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a detailed briefing regarding matters relating to Gwadar at the meeting of Federal Steering Committee on Gwadar Initiatives.
During the meeting the progress of on-going projects was discussed. PM directed the concerned authorities to expedite the process of development. A serious issue discussed during the meeting was that the Chinese investors in Gwadar have sought permission to maintain their bank accounts in RMB in Gwadar Free Zone without converting their money into Rupees. Owing to the political instability in the country and the constant fluctuation in rupee value the investors deem it safe to keep their bank accounts in RMB.
On connectivity of Gwadar with Up-North via Eastern, Central and Western alignments of CPEC routes Chairman, NHA apprised the Prime Minister on the award of contract on Naal-Awaran sections and shared that it would be completed within three years. Prime Minister urged that the project may be expedited and completed within two years. Chairman, NHA further shared that road connectivity from Gwadar Port to Up-North already exists through the Western route besides Gwadar is also connected to the Eastern route through Gwadar-Hoshab- Basima- Khuzdar-Ratodero-Sukkur road segments.
During the meeting the PM was informed that for the 1.2-MGD Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant that Chinese contractor (CHEC) has been mobilized and work has started and as per contract; the project is due for completion in March, 2023.
