| China CWE inaugurates dredging work for Karachi Container Port Project |
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| Monday,April 20,2009 Posted: 00:44 BJT(1644 GMT) |
| From:APP Article type:Reproduced |
KARACHI, April 19 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani here Saturday performed the inaugural ceremony of Dredging and Reclamation Works being initiated for multi?billion rupees Deep Water Container Port project at the Karachi Port, being executed by China International Water and Electric Corporation and described it as a world class addition to the existing facilities of Karachi Port which will help Pakistan achieve its goals of becoming an integral hub of international trade.
In his inaugural address on the occasion the Prime Minister pointed out that recent trends in the shipping industry have increased chances for Pakistan, with vessels becoming larger, to take advantage of such opportunities.
The Karachi Deep Water Container Terminal is accordingly a timely and strategic addition to our port facilities, he said and congratulated KPT for their vision and determination in pursuing this mega project.
“Due to our lucrative strategic geographic location, we are undisputedly, the gateway to Asia. We can also provide access to the emerging economies of Central Asia as well as the Middle East,” he said adding that at the same time, the manufacturers and producers from these developing regions can use Pakistan as a key stop on their way to meeting the vast import needs of developed countries of Europe and North America.
This would also provide viable access for the landlocked countries of Afghanistan and the Central Asian Republics to the Arabian Sea. For Pakistan it is to play a crucial role in integrating the area’s economies, he added.
Prime Minister said that importance of ports for economic development cannot be overestimated. KPT has been a key contributor to the growth of Pakistan’s economy and can further contribute to our GDP.
It continues to work towards its goal of transforming Karachi into a modern, competitive, user?friendly port and a trans?shipment hub for the region, he added.
The Prime Minister pointed out that aside from generating important revenue for the country through trade servicing, the Karachi Port also provides direct and indirect employment.
The Karachi Deep Water Container Port being the state of the art facility to handle the new generation of vessels shall also attract foreign investment for Pakistan, he said.
Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said China has been Pakistan’s old friend and ally. Over the years it has been a loyal friend, a trusted ally and a committed economic partner to Pakistan.
“We are planning cooperation with China in the sectors from telecommunications, marine trade and environmental protection to mining, water and agriculture.”
One instance of such collaboration, he said, is the involvement of our experienced and world?class partner, the China International Water and Electric Corporation, in execution of the Dredging and Reclamation Works portion of the this project.
He congratulated the Corporation’s President Lu Guojun on this occasion and also offered his gratitude for his leadership and dedication saying that this relationship will not only meet the infrastructure needs of Karachi Port, but will also enhance the longstanding relationship of trust, friendship and cooperation that our two countries enjoy.
The Prime Minister also congratulated Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Babar Khan Ghauri, and said it was under his stewardship that the Karachi Port and Shipping Sector has made tremendous progress.
He also felicitated the Secretary Ports and Shipping, KPT’s Chairperson and all the staff and workers of the Port Trust for their dedication in continuing to work for the improvement of Karachi Port and, thereby, for the benefit of the entire nation.
He wished all parties involved in this exercise the best of luck in their future endeavours and prayed that may Pakistan and China continue to cooperate for the social and economic advancement of both our nations.
Also present on the occasion were Sindh Governor Dr. Ishrat? ul?Ebad, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Mr. Luo Zhaohui, Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China, Federal and Provincial Ministers Chairperson Karachi Port Trust Nasreen Haque, Mr Lu Gupjun, President, China International Water and Electric Corporation.
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Bilateral Visits
2009-04-15 15:57