As a big achievement, the construction of China Aid Technical & Vocational Institute of Gwadar Port Project has been completed on October 1.
This China-aid Institute is a key project under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The completion ceremony indicates that the project is to be handed over shortly to Gwadar Port Authority for operation so as to achieve the expected function.
Addressing the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong noted that the completion of the institute marks a great milestone of CPEC and it’s also a long expected project for Gwadar people. “During the construction, it provided more than 1,000 jobs for local people,” he added.
Mr Nong Rong further mentioned that the future of Gwadar relies on human resources and he believes that it would play a very important role in accelerating Gwadar’s development. “The institute can accommodate 360 trainees at one time and provide training opportunities for at least 1,000 people every year,” he said.
Zhang Baozhong, chairman of China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC), pointed out that the vocational training institute was completed ahead of time despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, he informed that New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) and Gwadar Pak-China Friendship Hospital are under construction and workers are working day and night to make sure they will be completed on time.
On the occasion, Naseer Khan Kashani, chairman of Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), extended his gratitude to relevant parties that made contributions to the construction of the institute. He opined that he believes a bright future lies ahead for Gwadar.
The construction of the institute kicked off at the end of 2019. Despite the impact of COVID-19, its construction went smoothly. It is aimed at establishing a state-of-the-art vocational and technical training institute in Gwadar, Balochistan, so as to “enhance the skills of local population of Gwadar to participate in the growth of the Port City and bring investment, business and tourism in the area,” sources noted.
Besides Gwadar Technical and Vocational Institute, a China-Pakistan Friendship School was established here in September 2016, which accommodates around 500 students. This school is located in a less-developed area in dire need of school services.
China is also providing a large number of scholarships to Pakistani students, and many Pakistanis are currently studying in China. Both countries have also established links in science, technology and education.
