Syed Kaleem Shah:
Quetta – The Patron-in-Chief of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI), Mr. Farooq Khilji, has applauded the Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) for its significant contributions to strengthening local businesses in Balochistan. During a recent meeting with RDMC representatives, Mr. Ashley Price and Mr. Ahmer, they discussed community development initiatives and potential partnerships aimed at expanding economic opportunities in the region.
QCCI’s Commitment to Local Growth
Mr. Khilji reaffirmed QCCI’s unwavering support for local development projects, particularly in key sectors such as health, education, skill-building, and scholarships for Chagai’s youth. He emphasized that the Reko Diq project, still in its early stages, presents vast opportunities for local businesses to thrive in the coming years.
RDMC’s Economic Impact in Balochistan
RDMC’s procurement of over PKR 6 billion worth of supplies and services from local businesses demonstrates the region’s capacity to meet top-tier industry standards. Notably, PKR 6.1 billion (USD 21.7 million) in contracts were awarded to Balochistan-based suppliers between 2023 and 2024, with PKR 2 billion (USD 7.2 million) specifically benefiting suppliers from Chagai. This highlights RDMC’s dedication to strengthening the regional economy.
“With the right guidance and support, Balochistan’s businesses can achieve world-class standards,” stated Mr. Khilji. “This partnership between RDMC and local suppliers is a crucial step toward sustainable economic growth.”
Strengthening Local Business Capacity
Looking ahead, Mr. Khilji proposed a formal collaboration between QCCI and RDMC to enhance the capabilities of local vendors and suppliers. This initiative would focus on upskilling businesses to meet the evolving demands of the Reko Diq project.
“We strongly believe that with proper training and resources, local businesses can fully capitalize on the opportunities presented by this project. By working together, we can ensure that the people of Balochistan reap the full benefits of Reko Diq’s growth,” he added.
Future Collaborations and Business Engagements
To further solidify this collaboration, Mr. Khilji suggested signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between QCCI and RDMC. He also proposed a high-level business engagement, bringing together the RDMC delegation and the local business community at Serena Hotel in Quetta. Both organizations have agreed to strengthen their partnership, with future meetings planned in Quetta, Karachi, and Islamabad.
The Role of Mega Projects in Regional Development
Mr. Khilji emphasized that large-scale projects like Reko Diq are instrumental in transforming Balochistan’s economy and contributing to Pakistan’s overall economic development. RDMC has also expressed a strong interest in expanding its engagement with the local business community through its Head of Supply Chain Management.
A New Era for Local Businesses
The growing collaboration between RDMC and Balochistan’s local businesses marks a significant step toward ensuring that the region’s entrepreneurs and industries actively participate in the province’s economic transformation, driven by the Reko Diq mining project.
This partnership underscores the importance of strategic business collaborations, skill development, and sustainable economic growth for Balochistan, setting a strong foundation for future opportunities.
