Another area of heavy Chinese investment is Gwadar Port, where Tianjin Zhongbei Harbor Engineering is working on a $1.6 billion project. Next to the port, the China Harbor Engineering Co. is building an international airport. In the same region, China's Great United Petroleum Holdings is developing a $13 billion oil refinery.

for full story plz visit forbes website

Sales tax zero rating facility for EPZ construction material likely

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD (July 03 2009): The government is likely to announce sales tax zero rating facility on the import and supply of construction material by investors of Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Gwadar or development of the infrastructure through amendment in the zero rating SRO.549(I)/2008. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has also given permission to export upto 50 percent of the production from zone to tariff area of the country on payment of normal duties rates.

Sources told Business Recorder on Wednesday that the amendment in the SRO.549(I)/2008 would be made after vetting by the Law and Justice Division to allow sales tax zero rating on import and supply of construction material by EPZ investors. The construction materials may be incorporated in the SRO.549(I)/2008, which deals with the goods on which sales tax shall be charged at the rate of zero per cent.

Details revealed that the government has granted a number of incentives to the EPZ, Gwadar. Firstly, the Cabinet decision of June 3, 2009 regarding "Package of Incentives for Export Processing Zone Gwadar" has been implemented vide SRO No 606(I)/2009. Through this notification, tax holiday for 10 years from the commencement of commercial operation of the project has been granted to EPZ Gwadar.

Secondly, the FBR has also granted permission to export upto 50% of the production from zone to tariff area of the country on payment of usual duties. The summary for the Cabinet dated June 2, 2009 submitted by Ministry of Industries & Productions regarding package of incentives for EPZ Gwadar relating to Export Wing has been implemented by issuing SRO.600(I)/2009 amending the Customs Rules, 2001.

Thirdly, all exports from Pakistan are zero-rated for the purpose of sales tax under section 4 of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 and this facility is available to all including projects established in Export Processing Zones without any discrimination. Fourthly, presently SRO.11(I)/2008 of February 06, 2008 provides exemption from sales tax for a period of 40 years on the import and supply of materials and equipment for construction and operation of Gwadar Port and Development of Free Zone for Gwadar Port and Ship Bunker Oils bought and sold to the ships calling on/visiting Gwadar Port.

Similarly, supply of raw materials, components and goods for further manufacturer of goods in the Export -Processing Zones and import or supply made to Gwadar Economic Zones excluding vehicles are zero-rated vide S.No 5 and 8 of Fifth Schedule of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 respectively. Moreover, SRO 551(I)/2008 provides exemption on import of machinery, equipment and materials either for exclusive use within the limits of Export Processing Zone or for making exports there from and goods imported for warehousing purpose in Export Processing Zone.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2009

Tajikistan seeks access to Gwadar port for exports

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Tajikistan, Zubaydov Zubaydullo Najotovich on Thursday said that his country is in a dire need of access to the world through Gwadar port of Pakistan.

The ambassador expressed these views during a meeting with the Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo here today. During discussion he also pointed out that Pakistan was also looking to import Tajik power to its Northern Areas as Tajikistan has the huge hydropower potentials and cheapest electricity in the world.

Easy and smooth of energy supply has become mantra of every government around the globe. The ministers of four countries, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan signed a resolution to proceed further with the Central Asia/South Asia Regional Electricity Market (Casarem) project envisaging transmission of 1300MW from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to Afghanistan and Pakistan; but further commitment to the project will be linked to the availability of financing. A consortium of three financial institutions i.e. Islamic Development Bank, Asian Development Bank and World Bank has recently agreed to provide $1 billion to Pakistan to import electricity from Central Asian Republics (CARs).

Together with the government of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan an inter-governmental council was established in 2007 and a secretariat in 2008 with the objective of developing the electricity market and the CASA 1000 project.

According to the ambassador the government of Tajikistan would be able to assure its electricity requirements by 2009 and would export to the other countries. For the advancement of the communication projects, the government had adopted strategy to construct new highways and bridges to link Tajikistan with neighboring countries.

“From Pakistan’s point of view it would provide opportunities for Central Asian states such as Tajikistan, to boost exports,” the ambassador said and added that both the countries have signed about 20 agreements, protocols and memorandums of understanding (MoU’s) to extend cooperation in energy, communications, insurance, investments and industry, air transport, banking and financial, agricultural and food industry, transport and constructions of roads, science and technology, education, health, tourism, culture on the basis of mutual equality and to increase the current level of trade.

Cherishing brotherly relations between the two nations the Federal Minister took pride in the fact that Pakistan was one of the first countries, which recognised the independence of Tajikistan and established diplomatic ties.

daily times

Test only message this is.

Only for testing.

Provincial capital shifting to Gwadar 'impracticable'

By: Waqar Hamza | Published: June 24, 2009 

KARACHI - The decision of Balochistan government to shift provincial capital, Quetta, to Gwadar for 4 months during the coming winter season seems impracticable as it will cost some Rs1 billion in terms of expenditures to the province, The Nation has learnt.
It was learnt that the Chief Minister of Balochistan is going to put this advice in cabinet that the provincial capital will be shifted to Gwadar in coming winter which includes health, education, public health sector and many others out of total 26 provincial departments.
This is going to cost the already crunched provincial government a huge economic loss and it will also thin out the economic future of the coastal area, moreover, it will displace thousands of government servants for 4 months just to facilitate the South of the province without considering the East, West, and other parts of Balochistan.
Raisani has announced that not only this shifting to be held every year but also a new port is to be built probably at Urmara, and both of the projects have created confusion among the people of the province and business community.
It’s not logical and not a good adventure for the province which is already inflicted from financial crunch, and if the government has decided on such shifting the decision should not be unilateral but with consensus, said Sardar Shaukat, chairman, Balochistan Economic Forum. The govt should rather direct the departments concerned to actively take part in the development of the province, as it is interesting that the commissioner of Gwadar sits in Turbat which is some 100 kilometres away from Gwadar, moreover, the high ups of the fisheries don’t sit in Quetta which is a hub for fisheries, he added.

nation dot com dot pk

Current LG system root cause of corruption, lawlessness: Raisani

* Balochistan CM demands cancellation of deals with foreign companies

By Malik Siraj Akbar

QUETTA: The local government system is the cause of growing corruption and lawlessness at the grassroots level, Balochistan Chief Minister Aslam Raisani said on Tuesday. The chief minister said the government in Balochistan intended to replace the “Musharraf devolution plan” with a new system that would bring the district governments under the control of the provincial government.

Demands: Raisani reiterated his demand for cancellation of all agreements with foreign companies regarding the Gwadar Port, Reko Diq and Saindak signed by the previous government without taking the economic interests of Balochistan into account.

Raisani told journalists that his government was constantly in touch with the federal government to devise a plan to bring peace and prosperity to the province. In order to win the trust of the Baloch people, the federal government should cancel the agreements previously signed with foreign companies to run the Gwadar Port, Reko Diq and Saindak projects because the existing agreements did not serve the interests of the Baloch people. He demanded that a local of Balochistan should always lead the Gwadar Port Authority.

Raisani said the government was considering developing economic zones in Quetta, Khuzdar, Naseerabad, Uthal, Windar and Khanozai to boost the province’s economy. “A lot of countries have demonstrated their interest in investing in Balochistan. We will welcome foreign investment in the province,” Raisani said, adding that a special train would run from Rawalpindi to Iran and then to Turkey to attract investment to the province.

Given Balochistan’s large territorial area, the chief minister said new ports would be established in Ormara, Gadani and Pasni areas in the future for the purpose of lessen the burden on the Gwadar Port.

Raisani said Gwadar would start working as the winter capital of Balochistan every year from October 12. “Gwadar has very bright prospects of development. We have informed the federal government about our reservations about a few issues which could lead to the failure of the Gwadar project. Islamabad has assured to redress these grievances,” he said.

daily times

A friend in gwadar ,who deals in realestate ,etc.

Al-Sadiq Enterprises

Khair Ullah Mengal

Jahanzaib market ,AIRPORT RD,GWADAR

CONTACT NO. 0864211708

MOB: 0301 2168919

AL_SADIQSTATE@YAHOO.COM

Congratulations to All Pakistanis and Gwadar lovers on the victory of T20 World Cup. The great Pakistanis did it once again!

Enjoy, Celebrate, and be United.

By the way,

                 I still have all my land in Gwadar and have not sold any.

Regards,

Ornatehawk

Hello all,

              I have been a Gwadar bull for 3 years now. I am wondering why our government has taken so long to start the airport and railway tracks in Gwadar. I am an Oversees Pakistani and one time told the investment bankers in London about Gwadar. I even had hedge funds ask me to put them into Gwadar Real Estate. I did not and looking back I made the right move. Problem with our leaders in Pakistan is I never seem to see someone who comes into the country because they love the country and people, I only see leaderships who have their own interests at heart.

Now I see leaders mentioning America building a road to Afghanistan and contracts should be re negotiated for the port.

China gave us most of the money to build this, why are they no longer involved in Gwadar? The airport contract was given to China Harbour Company few years back on a turn key basis. Few months back I heard there was a tender for this again.

I have already been unwinding some of my real estate trades in Pakistan when Zardari came to power. Most Oversees Pakistanis are very bearish now...

May the almighty guide our country through these difficult times.

Chinese workers

Budget debate continues in Senate

Taking part in the debate, Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bezanjo observed that the budget for the financial year 2009-10 was presented without announcing the National Financial Commission award.

He claimed that the Rs.225 billion funds for the development of Gwadar port were misused and termed it the biggest corruption ever committed in the utilization of the funds by the previous government.

He demanded that a Senate Committee be established to probe into the corruption in the Gwadar project funds.

He regretted that no allocations have been earmarked for the Naudero Gwadar port road in the budget 2009-10.

for full story plz visit  APP web site

I recently visited the northern areas . I flew from Islamabad to Gilgit and hired a jeep and drove to Hunza valley ,Karimabad and then drove to Skardu via gilgit . First time visit to these cities in the north, I saw chinese workers expanding the Karakoram highway from Raikot  to khunjerab .I saw security guarding them at places of construction and their base camps, all this is being done so they can excess the Gawadar Port ,some pictures are below.

 Gwadar Port is now operational: PM

Thursday, June 18, 2009
By By our correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said that the government has made the Gwadar Port operational and major portion of wheat and fertilizer was unloaded at the port this year that resulted in expanding business activities in the area.

“The Gwadar Port is on top priority of the government,” he said while responding to a point of order of PML-Q legislator Ghaus Buksh Mehar here Wednesday at the Parliament House.The prime minister said the government is already on its way to connect this import port with the road and rail network that would make it more feasible and open new avenues of business in Balochistan.

for full story plz visit the news web page

Development of Gwadar port number one priority of government: PM      

ISLAMABAD, Jun 17 (APP): Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday told the National Assembly that development of Gwadar port is number one priority of his government. “We have already made this port operational and imported fertilizer for the agriculture was operated through this port”, the Prime Minister remarked.

He said operational activities through Gwadar port has created jobs for the people there and generated economic activities.

Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani assured the House that the pledged financial assistance and funds from Friends of Democratic Pakistan, priority would be given to Balochistan in the utilization of funds.

APP

Sangar Housing Project Management

It is a good sign for the development of the project. But still lot of work is needed.  i.e.   Issuance of allotment letter to those allottee, who had made  all dues but still allotment letter is not issued to them

b)                 Allottees that had already been issued the allotment/possession letter are being asked through ads to make the development charges that are double to the real plot price. It is interesting that allottee had already paid the development charge. Any how if additional development charges are needed then it should be minimum and to be paid in easy installment. If we see the development status then there is no fruitful development there after 2000.

c)                  To meet this there is a need that there should be presence of allottees in the Sangar development executive committee.

d)                 Still there is no direct link to Sangar except using the road of Pakistan Navy, which is mostly guarded by them. There was a plan to have a direct Sangar project own road but still no feasibility is seen on it.

e)                 Still electricity and water arrangement are not completed; my question is that how one can do the construction at there in absence of the basic facilities. There is an urgent need to complete the work on desalination plant and power house at Sangar. Instead of discourage and encouraging behavior is needed so that people go at there.

g)                 Although further allotment is banned at Sangar but there is need to complete the development work especially in new cutting and free facilities is provided to verify the plot status. This will restore the people confidence and sangar project will be free of doubt for investment. Investors interested to invest at Sangar, may be given a guide line to have doubt free investment. If we visit the Sangar project site , no doubt it is good looking and even if there is no port activities then it is also not bad for investment, subject if one feel secure themselves at there.

Delay in containers clearance annoys traders

By: Waqar Hamza | Published: June 13, 2009

KARACHI - The traders have shown serious concerns over the long delays in the clearance of containers at Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT), PICT and KICT, saying that problems at terminals are worsening day-by-day as thousands of containers are stucked up, causing severe problems for trade and industry.
It was told that such delays in clearance are affecting the Industry and creating shortage in the supply of raw material, resultantly raising the cost of doing business.

QICT is bound to ground the containers after getting intimation for examination, however, it takes at least seven to ten (7-10) days to ground a container, but no one is taking note on this annoying situation, being faced by traders and businessmen. The container dwell times are well above international norms and procedures remain complex, which need improvements for smooth handling of operations for achieving acceptable levels of productivity on custom clearance system.

It was recommended that no further ship should be berthed at QICT that is already over burdened to avoid damages, demurrages and container terminal charges for traders. The same, but not with that intensity, is the case with Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT) and Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT).

In this regard, a meeting was held at KCCI the other day in which such issues related to Customs & Shipping issues was discussed, where Nisar Muhammad, Collector Care, Pakistan Customs was invited as a Chief Guest. Capt Zafar Iqbal Awan, CEO PICT & Capt Rashid Jamil, COO-KICT & Junaid Zameer representing QICT joined as guests.
They were told of late grounding and late examinations which are inflicting the traders by way of increasing their costs. Moreover when PACCS was being rolled out to the trade it was the prime objective that it would speed up the system of Customs whereby both import and export trade would get benefited and will flourish.

daily nation