By Tahir Ali

 

ISLAMABAD, Sept. 26 (Gwadar Pro) - Karachi Coastal Comprehensive Development Zone (KCCDZ), an initiative of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, will be a huge economic transformation project for Karachi under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

 

The decision in this regard was taken during the 10th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) on CPEC held online at Islamabad and Beijing.

 

KCCDZ focuses on providing Karachi with an ultra-modern urban infrastructure zone, placing Karachi amongst the top port cities of the world.

 

According to Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi, the planned multibillion dollar mega KCCDZ project will be built on direct Chinese investment in partnership with Karachi Port Trust (KPT). The quantum of expected investment is around $3.5 billion. Developed on reclaimed area of approximately 640 hectares on the Western back waters marsh land of KPT, KCCDZ will be a flagship project for not only Pakistan but the entire region. In accordance with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision for promoting low-cost housing, KCCDZ will also provide residential resettlement to more than 20,000 families living in the surrounding slums.

 

The environment friendly mega KCCDZ, envisages 4 new berths for KPT adding depth to Pakistan’s expanding maritime sector while it will also house a state-of-the-art fishing port, with a world class fisheries export processing zone to boost Pakistan’s trade potential. It will also drastically improve the marine ecosystem and reduce pollution by establishing a water treatment plant at the mouth of the Lyari River.

 

KCCDZ will connect with the rest of Karachi through a majestic harbor bridge rising from behind Pakistan’s Deepwater Port, with exit ramps for Manora Islands and Sandspit beach.

 

“KCCDZ carries enormous potential for global investors as well and would unlock Pakistan’s unexplored Blue Economy and significantly enhance development and industrial cooperation between the two brotherly countries. KCCDZ is a game changer for Pakistan,” according to Ali Haider Zaidi.