Daily Times

Sir: It is good news that the Gwadar port will be operational by the month of April this year when its first commercial ship will dock. For full development of the port, the establishment of free trade zones with national and international business centres is in full swing. Such zones, with exemption of custom duty, income tax and sales tax will give great incentives to the businessmen and industries for using this port for their business transportation. Furthermore, completion of the M-8 by June this year will reduce the mileage of 400 kilometres distance because there will be no need to reach Karachi first; rather shipping containers will directly go to the northern parts from Gwadar. This will certainly lower the cost of production for industries, which is a promising sign for any economy. It is hoped that the government will not only continue its efforts for economic development but also equally prioritize the trickling down of its benefits to the masses.

AFIA MALIK

Lahore