Gwadar Port Remains Operational During Covid-19 Pandemic
Faizan Hashmi Published April 04, 2020 | 10:30 AM
BEIJING, Apr 4 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Apr, 2020 ) :Gwadar Port, a major project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is functioning well despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
The comments came as some reports in Western media suggested Chinese teams' are unable to return to their posts amid the pandemic, which is stalling many Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, Global Times reported.
A large number of projects under the BRI, like the one in Gwadar, employ a limited number of Chinese staff and rely on local employees for most roles.
According to the latest head count, there are two Chinese employees and 140 Pakistani employees working at Gwadar Port.
"The port is functioning well. Chinese workers have returned to their posts, having completed their 14-day self-imposed quarantine," a source close to senior management at the port's operator told the Global Times.
"The port's operations have not halted. That's the nature of our business. We take turns to have some holidays," the source said.
However, the source added that while there is no negative impact on its operations, the port cannot remain unaffected by the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on global shipping.
"Many ships drop by Gwadar after visiting a number of other ports first, and with global shipping being disrupted by the pandemic, there has been quite some re-routing and this has affected the port," said the source.
Located in southwest province of Balochistan, Gwadar Port began to play a new role as economical transit stop and time-saving trade port for land-locked Afghanistan when it shipped fertilizer in January.
As Pakistan entered lockdown last week, the port followed relevant rules and put on hold some of the projects in the nearby Free Trade Zone.
Construction of a steel tube factory has been halted and a business center has been closed as precautions to stop the novel coronavirus from spreading. Business development to attract foreign investors has also come to a temporary halt.
The port itself has been sealed off to outsiders and the number of non-essential visits has been cut to a minimum.
However, the pandemic is unlikely to have a long-term impact on the port's development, which is measured on a scale of years rather than months.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said in a recent interview with the Global Times that CPEC construction won't be impacted in the long run, although in the short run it could face some slowdown.
"As soon as we are over the hump of dealing with the coronavirus, I think we'll be back on track," Qureshi said. "After the temporary dip, things will come back quickly. And the entire region stands to benefit from the projects."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Pakistan v New Zealand T20I series: Tickets to go on sale from today
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 29 March 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 29 March 2024
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
CM for generating opportunities to bring direct int'l investment
Pakistan retains position in FTSE secondary emerging market
High Commissioner of Malaysia hosts Iftar dinner reception
NEPRA announces 2nd quarterly adjustment in power bills with Rs 1.68 cut per uni ..
Hoopo Inc. Collaborates with SAU to Install Solar-Powered RO Plant
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm likely at various parts of country
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Shaheed Jalil Andrabi remembered on his martyrdom anniversary
2 days ago -
Architectural grandeur of Mohabat Khan Mosque attracts visitors, archeology lovers
2 days ago -
Besant Hall cultural centre to hold programme in memory Pir Hassam din Rashdi
4 days ago -
USA beats Mexico 2-0 for CONCACAF Nations League title
4 days ago -
World urged to intervene for peace in Kashmir
5 days ago -
Undeterred resolve – only way to end economic woes
5 days ago
-
Organic Food: A booming trend in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
5 days ago -
From Soil to Harvest: Use of modern technology vital for agricultural renaissance
5 days ago -
Spring season offers glimpse into GB's natural beauty, cultural heritage
5 days ago -
Nation to mark decades’ long journey of resilience through annals of history
7 days ago -
23rd March: A historic day reminds Muslims’ heroic struggle for Pakistan
7 days ago -
Measures urged to recharge depleting water table: Experts
7 days ago