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ISLAMABAD:
The government on Friday informed the Senate that the New Gwadar International Airport, operational from January 20, 2025, along with the Gwadar Free Zone and improved road connectivity, is expected to facilitate access of Balochistan’s agriculture, mining and fishing sectors to domestic and international markets.
Responding during question hour on behalf of Minister of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the airport and related infrastructure were part of broader efforts to strengthen trade logistics and economic activity in the province. He told the House that a fully developed Gwadar Free Zone, spread over approximately 2,281 acres at Gwadar Port, is operational and designed to support trade, re-export, warehousing, distribution and industrial activities.
The minister said investors in the free zone are offered incentives including a 23-year tax exemption on federal, provincial and local taxes, leasing options of up to 99 years and exemption from import duties and sales taxes on machinery and equipment.
