The government is actively engaging private shipping liners to commence transshipment operations between Gwadar and the Persian Gulf.
This was briefed at a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on the operationalization of Gwadar Port held in Islamabad on Friday with Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal in the chair.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs further told that initial cargo categories will include minerals, dates, seafood, and cement, targeting sectors such as mining, fisheries, and processing industries.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the need to showcase Gwadar Port in international road-shows as a strategic trade hub linking the Gulf and Central Asia. He directed stakeholders to promote the port’s cost-effective trade routes and available incentives for international businesses.
The Minister underscored Gwadar’s geostrategic value, citing its position as the shortest trade route to the Gulf and Central Asia, including countries like Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. He highlighted the port’s potential as a regional transshipment hub.
He instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate a four-nation consortium to undertake a pre-feasibility study aimed at linking South Asia with the Gulf Cooperation Council from Gwadar to Oman through undersea tunnel. Proposals are also under consideration to establish ferry connections with Gulf Countries leveraging China’s strong trade presence in the region.
Ahsan Iqbal also directed the Director General of Gwadar Port Authority to ensure quality accommodation and recreational facilities for international shipping crew members, encouraging repeat visits to the port. The Director General confirmed that high-standard lodging, including a five-star hotel, is available for international shipping crew members.
On the development of the aquaculture sector, the Planning Minister was briefed that the Fisheries Department of Gilgit-Baltistan is collaborating with China Overseas Ports Holding Company Limited on joint land surveys and feasibility studies. It was apprised that discussions are underway with Chinese trawler companies to use Gwadar as an offloading hub and for setting up fish processing facilities.
The Minister stressed the importance of safeguarding local fishermen’s interests and ensuring their inclusion in the fish processing value chain.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs confirmed that all projects related to the port’s operationalization are being aligned with Pakistan’s first-ever Fisheries and Aquatic Water Policy. Additionally, two proposals for the launch of ferry services are currently under review.
Further discussions centered on developing Gwadar into a dedicated mining port for Balochistan by establishing mining and ore smelting infrastructure. The Ministry of Railways announced the completion of a feasibility study for a Mineral Corridor Rail Link to support this initiative.
Representative of Balochistan government reported that 30 percent of the Gwadar Safe City Project is complete, with full completion expected by June next year.
