Pakistan, China ties ride the wave of new maritime push

July 21, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and China are set to deepen cooperation in ports, logistics and maritime sectors, as the federal government invited Chinese investors to expand their footprint in these areas, reiterating its commitment to transforming Pakistan into a regional transit trade, logistics and industrial hub.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry extended the invitation while addressing the Regional Transit Trade Hub Initiative in Beijing, organised by Jiang Tonland International Holdings, said a press release issued.

He said Pakistan and China's All-Weather Strategic Partnership was entering a new phase centred on connectivity, trade facilitation, logistics, industrial development and sustainable economic growth, and thanked the organizers for bringing together government representatives and business leaders to promote regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

Junaid Chaudhry noted that the global trading system was being reshaped by digitalization, smart logistics, resilient supply chains, green shipping and multimodal transport, highlighting the growing importance of stronger regional partnerships and innovation.

He said Pakistan's strategic location made it a natural gateway for regional and international trade, adding that maritime institutions including the Karachi Port Trust, Port Qasim Authority, Gwadar Port Authority and the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation were undertaking reforms to develop the country into a modern maritime, logistics and industrial hub serving regional markets.

The minister said the Regional Transit Trade Hub initiative aligned with Pakistan's economic priorities, offering avenues for cooperation in port modernization, multimodal transport corridors, logistics parks, industrial infrastructure, maritime services, digital trade facilitation and value-added logistics.

Describing Gwadar Port as a flagship project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said it presented investment opportunities in port operations, logistics, warehousing, free zone development and maritime industries, and invited Chinese enterprises to tap into these sectors, assuring them of a transparent and investment-friendly environment.

Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with China, Junaid Chaudhry called for closer cooperation to build a more connected, resilient and prosperous future through enhanced trade and investment.

Copyright Mettis Link News