Quetta: Prime Minister Sarfraz Bugti has said that Balochistan is Pakistan’s gateway to regional and global trade, highlighting that the province offers immense investment opportunities and has the potential to become a leading economic hub for the global community.
“Balochistan is emerging as an attractive destination for investors from around the world, and we are committed to steering it further on the path of development,” he said while addressing an international event organized by Pathfinder Group in Switzerland.
The prime minister was the guest of honor at the event on Wednesday, which was attended by business leaders and development experts from around the world.
According to CM House officials, Mr. Bugti in his speech highlighted that Pakistan, with its population of 240 million, has a significant proportion of youth, who serve as a crucial asset for the development of the country.
“Pakistan’s largest province, Balochistan, covering 44pc of the country’s land mass, is rich in natural resources, strategically located and offers great economic potential. It is undoubtedly Pakistan’s gateway for regional and global trade,” he said.
He emphasized the strategic importance of Gwadar port as the cornerstone of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and underlined the abundant resources of Balochistan, including Reko Diq Copper-Gold reserves, chromite, marble and vast natural gas deposits. , as untainted opportunities for unparalleled opportunities for global investors.
CM Bugti also sheds light on the province’s agriculture and fishing sectors, which are ripe for investment.
“Balochistan produces high-quality dates, apples, pomegranates and grapes, while its coastal areas offer vast fishing and aquaculture prospects,” he said.
To facilitate investment, he pointed to the establishment of special economic zones like the Gwadar Free Zone, which offers tax exemptions, duty-free imports of machinery and other investor-friendly incentives.
He also mentioned the government’s focus on developing infrastructure to connect markets and communities, thereby fostering economic growth.
“Development is not just about economic growth, but about bringing positive changes in people’s lives,” he said. The provincial government, he said, is prioritizing education, health and employment, while ensuring that local communities are integrated into development projects to share the benefits equitably.
Inviting global investors, CM Bugti stated, “Balochistan is on the threshold of a new era of progress. Tapping these investment opportunities can pave the way for development not only in Balochistan but also in Pakistan and for the global community.”
Published in Dawn, January 24, 2025
