ISLAMABAD, Jan 07 (INP-WealthPK): Pakistan and China have resolved to redouble their efforts to tap the full potential of the Gwadar Port and Free Zone under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Both sides also agreed to make sure that the local population of Gwadar and surrounding areas fully benefit from these projects by utilising the massive opportunities being created in various sectors. The governments of Pakistan and China held meetings of the two Joint Working Groups (JWGs) on Gwadar and Socio-Economic Development through video conferencing. The sixth session of the JWG on Gwadar was co-chaired by Secretary Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Abdul Aziz Uqaili and Ying Xiong, Director General of the National Development and Reforms Commission of China. Secretary Economic Affairs and Maritime Affairs, representatives of ministries of Foreign Affairs, Aviation, Defence, CPEC Authority, PPIB, GPA, Government of Balochistan, GDA, as well as representatives of their counterparts in China participated in the meeting. The meeting reviewed the implementation status of the CPEC projects in Gwadar and deliberated upon the future course of action with regard to the development of Gwadar City, Port, and the Free Zone. Both sides expressed satisfaction with steady progress made on various projects, including full operationalisation of Gwadar Port and its inclusion in the Afghan Transit Trade route; finalisation of the Smart Port City Master Plan; completion of the Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute; substantial progress on Eastbay Expressway; commencement of work on New Gwadar International Airport and the Pak-China Friendship Hospital. It was noted that Gwadar Free Zone Phase-1 had been successfully completed, while work on the much larger Phase-II covering an area of 2,221 acres had been started. The meeting emphasised the need for the finalisation of the marketing and investment plan for Free Zone along with its implementation strategy. The meeting was informed that the plan would soon be submitted for consideration of the Cabinet Committee on CPEC. Chinese enterprises, including Zhejiang DRC, China Communication Construction Company, Zhejiang Seaport and Huazhang Technology, made presentations during the meeting on their planned investments in the Low Carbon Recycling Park within the Gwadar Free Zone. Pakistan side assured the investors of full support and cooperation for their ventures. It was noted that despite the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting travel restrictions, the projects in Gwadar were implemented at a steady pace. The meeting also took note of various operational issues faced by the projects during the course of the year. It was noted that several issues had been resolved through the intervention of relevant authorities. Both sides resolved to address any remaining issues on priority. The meeting was also informed that the Government of Pakistan was actively implementing various projects in close collaboration with the provincial government to ensure the provision of all the necessary facilities in Gwadar. The projects include linking Gwadar to the national electricity grid, provision of water to Gwadar city from nearby dams, establishment of University of Gwadar and Gwadar Safe City project and certain other projects in the socio-economic domain. Meanwhile, the third meeting of the JWG on Socio-Economic Development under CPEC was held under the co-chairmanship of Abdul Aziz Uqaili and Deng Boqing. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the steady progress of the first batch (17 Fast Track) projects, and the second Batch (10 Priority) projects despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The Pakistani side thanked the government and the people of China for their generous support to Pakistan for tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, especially the timely supply of vaccines. He also thanked the Chinese counterparts for their support and assistance to the Government of Pakistan for socio-economic development. The Chairman of CIDCA (Convenor of the Chinese side) reiterated China’s strong support for the people and the Government of Pakistan, stating that the two iron brothers have always helped and supported each other. He recalled Pakistan’s support to China in the early phase of the pandemic and stated that such help is highly valued. The Pakistani side shared the proposed third batch of projects for consideration of Chinese counterparts. The projects were finalised after consultations with stakeholders, including all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan. It was decided to further enhance bilateral cooperation and implementation mechanism by constituting sub-committees at the working level on both sides. The meeting was attended by representatives of federal ministries and all the provincial governments, AJK and Gilgit Baltistan and 11 relevant departments of the Government of China. The embassies of the two countries also joined the meeting.