Pakistan, China explore trade ties at Khorgos Dry Port

June 30, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and China explored greater border trade collaboration as Pakistan’s envoy to China, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, paid a detailed visit to the Khorgos Free Trade Zone in northern Xinjiang.

The Zone, known as China’s busiest dry port, border gate, and Cooperation Center, serves as an ideal bridge for the free flow of goods and people between China and Kazakhstan.

During his visit to the dry port, Ambassador Hashmi was briefed on the technology-driven operations of customs and immigration authorities that have enabled the efficient, uninterrupted movement of people and goods.

Among other things, it was informed that cargo trucks could be customs cleared in 25–30 minutes due to the integration of technology, and that the two-way volume of trade had increased by 46% in 2025 on a year-on-year basis.

Ambassador Hashmi also met with the local leadership and discussed how the Khorgos dry port had developed into a sixth-generation crossing point.

Both sides exchanged views on how successful practices from Khorgos could potentially be applied to the Khunjerab dry port between Pakistan and China.

The Ambassador and local authorities agreed to maintain contact to promote exchanges and study visits to explore replicating the Khorgos model for Pakistan’s border markets with its friendly neighbors.

The Ambassador was also briefed on the operation of a duty-free border market, spread over an area of 5.8 square kilometers, where citizens of China, Kazakhstan, and third countries can enter and shop duty-free.

Ambassador Hashmi’s visit to Xinjiang comes amid continued efforts by both countries to enhance land border infrastructure, according to the press release issued.

In December 2024, Pakistan and China launched year-round operations at the Khunjerab Pass.

In June last year, Ambassador Hashmi also visited the Khunjerab Port and Pakistan-China land border.

Proposals are currently being matured for integrated border management and the establishment of a green channel for agricultural products.

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