Gwadar’s New Gateway: How Infrastructure Shapes CPEC’s Future
At the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held in Islamabad, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for deepening and expanding cooperation within the SCO. Before the meeting, Premier Li and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office marking the completion of the New Gwadar International Airport project.
“China is willing to work with Pakistan, focusing on establishing an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),” Premier Li told Prime Minister Sharif during his official visit to Pakistan.
The New Gwadar International Airport, a key project under CPEC, is set to transform Gwadar into a vital regional hub. Premier Li emphasized that the airport symbolizes the deepening collaboration under CPEC, showcasing the unique friendship between China and Pakistan.
“We aim to accelerate the construction of major projects in areas such as railways, roads, and ports and strengthen industrial integration,” Premier Li said.
Equipped with advanced Chinese technology, the airport features state-of-the-art infrastructure, including new runways, taxiways, and passenger terminals. “This development will significantly boost local socio-economic progress and better integrate Gwadar into global supply chains,” project manager Faiz Ullah Khattak told the China Media Group.
The completion of the New Gwadar International Airport marks a significant milestone in the CPEC initiative, highlighting the strategic importance of Gwadar as a gateway to the Middle East and Central Asia. The airport is expected to handle both domestic and international flights, enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth in the region.
As part of the broader vision for CPEC, the airport will serve as a catalyst for development, attracting investment and promoting trade. The upgraded infrastructure is poised to create new opportunities for businesses and contribute to the socio-economic uplift of the local community.
The commitment from both China and Pakistan to accelerate major projects signals a strengthening partnership aimed at mutual prosperity. The focus on railways, roads, ports, and industrial integration underlines the comprehensive approach to developing the economic corridor.
The New Gwadar International Airport stands as a testament to the enduring collaboration between China and Pakistan. As CPEC enters a new phase, the emphasis on infrastructure development will continue to shape the future of the region, bringing shared benefits and fostering closer ties between the two nations.
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Gwadar's new gateway: how infrastructure shapes CPEC's future
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