Pakistan has decided to build another shipyard at Gwadar to support the country’s steel industry.
The decision was taken in the backdrop of increasing maritime activities and massive movement of ships at Gwadar port following the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
A Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) delegation, on the invitation of Rear Admiral Ather Saleem, Managing Director Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) visited KSEW.  The delegates were apprised of the existing performance, achievements, activities and future targets and goals.
The Managing Director, KSEW in his briefing to the FPCCI delegates informed that the KSEW, in view of increased movement of ships and maritime activities at Gwadar Port in the backdrop of CPEC, had acquired land at Gwadar for the development of another shipyard at Gwadar which has been approved by the Prime Minister Imran Khan under the Ministry of Defence Production in coordination with Balochistan govt.
He further said that there are more than 23 sizeable shipyards in India and 5 in Bangladesh against only one shipyard in Pakistan established since independence.
He therefore underscored the need for public private partnership in the maritime sector as it offers a huge potential of the investment and earnings, including foreign exchange, in many fields such as transportation of goods through shipping, both inland and foreign countries.
He lamented the Karachi Port Trust and Bin Qasim Port for not patronizing the indigenous shipping industry and buying the ships, for their requirements, from foreign countries.
The FPCCI delegation Chief SM Muneer lauded the efforts being made by the KSEW in ship building and development of maritime activities as they play an important role in facilitating trade through cheap transportation of goods.
He, on behalf of the business community of Pakistan and FPCCI, assured the Managing Director of KSEW of his full support and extended cooperation in serving the FPCCI as a bridge between KSEW and Government in facilitating, developing, promoting and resolution of ship building issues.
Credit: Dunya News