A 12-member delegation from Balochistan has departed for China to explore investment opportunities and deepen economic cooperation between the two regions.
The delegation will visit Guangdong province until December 13 to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, institutional cooperation, and future investments in key development sectors.
The group includes representatives from Pakistan Customs, Gwadar Port Authority, Gwadar Development Authority, local administration, district police, civil courts, education authorities, Gwadar Municipal Committee, Gwadar Press Club, the Chamber of Commerce, Fisheries Department, Quetta Electric Supply Company, the New Gwadar International Airport, and Pak-China Friendship Hospital.
Zhuhai–Gwadar cooperation
The delegation will begin its tour from Zhuhai, Gwadar’s officially recognised sister city since 2015. Both sides have been engaged in cooperation related to trade, culture and tourism, with Gwadar seeking to learn from Guangdong’s coastal development model and special economic zone experience.
Learning from Shenzhen’s transformation
The delegation will also travel to Shenzhen, famous for evolving from a fishing town into one of the world’s leading technology and innovation hubs. Officials highlighted that Shenzhen’s rapid growth offers a model for Gwadar’s long-term ambitions, particularly in urban development, technology, energy, sustainability and transport planning.
Meetings and investment outreach
During the visit, the delegation will meet government authorities, business leaders and institutions specialising in technology, industrial development, logistics, and special economic zones. The discussions aim to attract new Chinese investment and support Gwadar’s transformation into a regional commercial, energy and innovation centre under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
International interest is already expanding. SMC and Guangdong Handar have recently formed a Pak–China joint venture to modernise mining operations in Balochistan, strengthening mineral extraction, processing and export capacity.
Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) has so far paid over $468 million in taxes, profits and fees to the Balochistan government. The mining project currently employs more than 2,000 people, including 87% from Balochistan, with significant participation from Chagai and Nushki districts.
Reko Diq revenue and jobs
The Reko Diq copper-gold project alone is estimated to generate over $1 billion annually for Balochistan through royalties, profit shares and taxes. The province holds a 25% stake, including 10% free-carried equity.
At its peak, the project is expected to create 7,500 jobs, with 4,000 long-term employment opportunities—most of which will benefit local communities throughout the project’s 40-year lifespan.
Economic potential requires international partnerships
Balochistan possesses vast mineral resources, but without foreign investment, technical expertise and global partnerships, this potential would remain largely untapped due to limited domestic capacity. New projects, investment and CPEC partnerships are therefore essential to ensure Balochistan’s rise as a regional economic hub.
