Asia-Pacific

Pakistan invites China to ship market in Persian Gulf

By Uking Sun (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-07-26 15:35

Pakistan's Karachi Shipyard hopes to deepen cooperation with the Chinese shipbuilding industry to facilitate China's international trade and further explore the huge market in the Persian Gulf, Managing Director Vice Admiral Iftikhar Rao said on Saturday.

A ship is under construction at Karachi Shipyard, Pakistan, July 24, 2010. [Photo / chinadaily.com.cn]

There are 55 Chinese ship engineers now working and residing at the shipyard, and they receive the best security protection, including eight security cameras set up around the compound, according to Rao.

"We are currently building a new accommodation building for Chinese workers, and we are very satisfied with their performance." The new building is expected to be completed by April next year.

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The shipyard recently signed a contract with China Shipbuilding & Offshore Company (CSOC) for construction of 500 T Fast Attack Craft for the Pakistan Navy. But the cooperation level falls below Karachi Shipyard's expectations.

"We hope to establish a long-term and permanent relationship with China and close partnership at various levels."

Rao added that the cheap labor force in Pakistan, the long-time friendship between the two countries, and the shipyard's favorable geographical location in the Persian Gulf mean that cooperation with China can make full use of the market potential in the Gulf, an important oil route.

The shipyard, which includes commercial and military sectors, can provide a wide range of services, such as logistics supply, maintenance and repair. It will be a win-win situation for Pakistan and China, the director said.