Federal Minister inaugurates “Gwadar Oceanographic Research Sub-Station”

GWADAR, Jan 8 (Gwadar Pro) - Federal Minister for Science and Technology Agha Hassan Baloch has formally inaugurated the construction of “Gwadar Oceanographic Research Sub-Station” in Gwadar spearheaded by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIC) on Friday. The total cost of the project is $ 300 million.

The ground breaking ceremony was held at Gwadar Business Centre which was attended by senior office-bearers of NIC and officials of China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC).

The project is designed to enhance competency and self-sufficiency in marine. NIO's capabilities are to be enhanced to collect marine information and data from the maritime areas of Balochistan and to make the best use of renewable and non-renewable marine resources. The centre will serve as a national centre for advice to Balochistan and the federal government on the transfer of marine technology and sustainable development of marine resources.

DG NIO Dr Samina Khalid was also present. Currently, NIO is in collaboration with a Chinese state-owned organisation for joint marine research. For this purpose, a Chinese professor also visited the sub-station in Gwadar.