Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, stated that Gwadar Port presents a strategic opportunity to enhance trade between Gulf countries and China. Speaking at a high-level meeting on Wednesday, Iqbal emphasized that the port, developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), offers the most economical and efficient trade route in the region.
Iqbal highlighted that Gwadar Port could serve as a significant regional transshipment hub, providing the shortest trade route to Gulf and Central Asian countries. He directed the preparation of comprehensive marketing materials to promote the port on a global scale. Additionally, he called for a feasible action plan to be developed within six months to increase trade volume through the port. Iqbal also underscored the need for cost analyses and the implementation of suitable logistics solutions to enhance Gwadar’s competitiveness.
CPEC, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, was launched in 2013 to connect Gwadar Port with Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang region. The corridor focuses on energy, transportation, and industrial cooperation.