CPEC becomes reality as Pakistan inaugurates Gwadar port

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the operational activities of the revamped strategic Gwadar port in the south-western Balochistan Province.
With the operationalisation of the deep sea port, the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), linking western China to the Arabian Sea became a reality.
Key Facts

• The port was operationalised after a Chinese commercial ship laden with around 250 containers set off for West Asia and Africa.
• The ship was carrying Chinese goods which were ferried by major trade convoy that started from Kashgar in western China on 30 October 2016 reached Gwadar on 12 November 2016.
• It was considered as watershed moment in the history of Pakistan and symbol of Pakistan’s commitment to China’s ‘One Belt-One Road’ (OBOR) initiative, of which CPEC is a key port.
• Benefits to Pakistan: China’s OBOR initiative integrates with Pakistan’s Vision 2025 which seeks to transform the country into a hub of trade and commerce. The CPEC would ultimately integrate South Asia, China and Central Asia.
• India’s concern: The CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

For more information: (i) CPEC (ii) CPEC Analysis

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2016