Pakistan backs China’s GDI as symbol of connectivity, integration

June 18, 2025 (MLN): The Global Development Initiative (GDI) has been underscored as a symbol of connectivity, coastal development, and regional integration, with Pakistan reaffirming its strong support for the vision initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

This was outlined by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry during his address at the curtain-raiser ceremony of the GDI Group.

He was addressing the curtain-raiser ceremony of the GDI Group, where he termed it an honour to address a platform that represents a new era of international cooperation and inclusive progress.

Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic location, the minister stated that with over 1,000 kilometers of coastline and key ports such as Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar, the country stands as a natural hub for trade and energy corridors.

He noted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has already laid a solid foundation by transforming Gwadar into a vital economic link between China and the Arabian Sea, as per the press release issued.

Building on this, he emphasized that the GDI complements Pakistan’s national objectives of infrastructure modernization, environmental resilience, and equitable development, particularly for underserved coastal communities like Ormara and Pasni.

Outlining Pakistan’s maritime ambitions under the GDI framework, the minister shared plans to digitize and green port operations, develop sustainable ocean industries, and enhance logistics connectivity from the coast to the hinterland.

He underscored the importance of ensuring that development dividends reach marginalized populations, stressing that maritime advancement plays a critical role in promoting social harmony by providing alternatives to poverty and extremism.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, for her dedication to integrating GDI into Pakistan’s parliamentary and youth development frameworks.

“As the global community searches for models that promote equitable and sustainable growth, GDI offers a timely and people-centric solution,” said the minister.

“Let us work collectively to realize this shared vision for a more connected and prosperous future,” he concluded.

The ceremony gathered key stakeholders from government, civil society, and development sectors to explore the transformational potential of the GDI for Pakistan and the wider region.