ISLAMABAD: The government is encouraging different universities to set up campuses in the port city Gwadar, which is becoming a hub of economic activities.
Dr Hafsa Hina from the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics told WealthPK that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority said that the Chinese side is excited about the University of Gwadar project. A prominent Chinese university will be selected to become a research partner of the University of Gwadar. Both the universities will conduct joint research on marine and maritime-related subjects in addition to other areas of study.
She said that providing opportunities of getting modern and technical education and skills to the local people would help in the development of the hitherto backward and neglected area of the country. China is assisting Pakistan to develop its social sector. “The Chinese government has also granted about $10 million to Pakistan for the development of Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute in Gwadar. This technical and vocational institute has provided employment opportunities to 249 individuals,” she added.
Dr Hafsa said that Gwadar is becoming a hub of economic activities and a focus of international traders. Gwadar has the potential to play a crucial role in strengthening the economy of Pakistan and the entire region. The port city has economic significance not just for Pakistan and China, but also for other countries including Central Asian Republics, Europe, Turkey, Iran, India, the Middle East, Gulf States and Africa.
She said that government is closely monitoring and supervising the development of Gwadar as Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, the additional secretary to the prime minister’s office, visited the port city to review the progress made on the execution of many ongoing projects under CPEC.
Dr Hafsa told WealthPK that the Ministry of Science and Technology is also taking keen interest in the development of Gwadar.
