GWADAR: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani said on Friday that his government was committed to tapping the vast natural resources of the province and using them for poverty alleviation in the province.

Speaking at an exhibition of mineral resources titled ‘Marble and Mineral Expo 2018’ in Gwadar, the chief minister said that through international investment in projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Balochistan’s natural resources could be explored.

He said the province’s resources would be used for betterment its people.

Mr Alyani said after becoming fully functional the port in Gwadar would turn this city into a hub of international trade and boost trade activities in the country.

The chief minister said his government was giving due importance to Gwadar and trying to provide all basic and modern facilities to it. The government was taking keen interest in developing Gwadar as a modern mega city, he added.

He said the local people of Gwadar had the first right to receive benefits of CPEC projects, adding that the provincial government would ensure that the people of the area were given top priority in employment opportunities created by the CPEC.

He urged the people of the area not to pay any heed to propaganda being made by some elements against development projects in the province.

The chief minister sought China’s help for developing the IT sector and other technical fields in Gwadar, saying that the provincial government would provide a conductive environment to foreign companies for the purpose.

Speaking on the occasion, Balochistan Economic Forum (BEF) chairman Shoukat Populzai said that Balochistan had vast opportunities for investment and the BEF would continue highlighting business aspects of the province.

Gwadar Port chairman Mir Dostain Jamaldini, China Overseas Port and Hold Company’s Mr Chahoo, President of Gwadar Chamber of Commerce Naveed Kalmati and other officials also spoke on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2018