ISLAMABAD – With Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China on the horizon, the Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP) has called on ministries to urgently accelerate key projects tied to Chinese investment — particularly in Gwadar and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
During a recent review meeting, the committee assessed project statuses across various sectors and urged immediate implementation of previous directives to maintain momentum ahead of crucial talks with Chinese authorities.
Top on the agenda was the relocation of Chinese industries to Gwadar, a strategic move aimed at boosting industrial activity at the deep-sea port. The Board of Investment (BoI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries and Production, is finalising a comprehensive road map for this initiative. The committee directed BoI to submit the final version promptly for cabinet approval.
Concern was raised over the delay in connecting the Gwadar desalination plant to the national grid via Panjgur. The Power Division has been given three days to provide an action plan to fast-track this nationally important project.
The committee also expressed disappointment over the lack of progress on revising the electricity supply model for the Rashakai SEZ. The BoI was directed to produce a case study and timeline explaining the delay. Meanwhile, Nepra and the Power Division were instructed to jointly expedite implementation and report back in the next meeting.
On a positive note, the Power Division reported that power supply to the Gwadar desalination plant via national grid had been successfully implemented.
Turning to maritime development, the committee urged the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to finalize agreements with local fishermen to initiate international seafood transshipment operations from Gwadar Port — a move expected to significantly enhance export potential.
The Ministry of Planning was tasked with resolving outstanding issues with the Sindh government regarding the Karachi Coastal Development Zone and to provide a compliance report.
The committee acknowledged that the Ministry of Commerce had issued a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) allowing the export of potassium sulphate fertiliser from Gwadar by amending the Export Policy Order — a step expected to streamline fertilizer trade via the port.
In another decision, the committee directed the Planning Ministry to report progress on the foreign currency facilitation pilot project in the Gwadar Free Zone, after concluding talks with relevant departments.
As the clock ticks toward the premier’s trip to Beijing, the committee made it clear: all pending decisions by the BoI must now be immediately implemented and documented for review.