Gwadar is preparing for a major upgrade in its marine sector as the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art Marine Innovation Lab at its Precision System Training Centre (PSTC).
The initiative aims to modernise Gwadar’s traditional fishing industry, long regarded as the backbone of local livelihoods, by introducing CNC precision boat manufacturing and sustainable fibreglass vessel development. Officials believe the project will transform Gwadar’s fishing economy, integrating advanced technology with local craftsmanship to make vessels more durable, safer, and competitive in domestic and regional markets.
Skilling Gwadar’s Workforce under CPEC
The Marine Innovation Lab is part of PSTC’s broader mission to prepare youth for industrial opportunities emerging under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Established through an MoU between PCSIR and the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), the centre has already begun producing skilled manpower.
Currently, 68 students from disadvantaged areas of Balochistan are enrolled in both long- and short-term courses, including a three-year Diploma of Associate Engineering (DAE) in Precision Mechanics and Instrument Technology, along with six-month training in machinist work, graphic design, and electrical skills.
So far, 50 students have graduated from short programs and joined the local job market, while 18 are pursuing the three-year diploma. To encourage participation from remote communities, PSTC also provides hostel accommodation for up to 80 students.
A Game-Changer for Fishing Communities
A senior official described the Marine Innovation Lab as a “game-changer” for Gwadar’s marine economy. By incorporating CNC technology into boat-making, he said, fishermen will gain access to safer and more durable vessels, improving both livelihoods and market competitiveness.
He emphasised that equipping Balochistan’s youth with employable skills remains vital to bridging regional gaps and meeting the industrial demands of Gwadar’s development under CPEC.
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