Gwadar Port to be effectively operationalized in 6 months

January 15, 2025 (MLN): To effectively operationalize Gwadar Port within six months, a collaborative action plan will be developed, incorporating both short and medium-term strategies to unlock its potential as a regional trade hub.

This was stated by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, during a high-level meeting held in Islamabad, according to the press release issued.

The Federal Minister emphasized the importance of comparing Gwadar’s trade costs with other regional ports, including those in Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Bishkek, and Tashkent.

Outlining Gwadar’s strategic importance, the Minister noted that it serves as the shortest trade route to Xinyang, China.

He urged the private sector to share detailed proposals to enhance trade through the port, assuring full government support in providing relevant data.

The Minister also stressed the need to facilitate the private sector in bringing more shipments to Gwadar, which has so far handled traffic mainly through government initiatives.

Addressing concerns regarding Gwadar’s infrastructure, the Minister clarified that there are no water issues due to the availability of a desalination plant, and most areas now have access to electricity.

He emphasized the port’s capability to handle significant cargo volumes, citing past performance of 600,000 tons of cargo handled efficiently.

The Minister further highlighted Gwadar’s potential as a key hub for trade with Central Asian Republics, given its proximity and capability to handle imports and exports efficiently.

He directed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to draft a comprehensive and actionable roadmap for Gwadar’s development, incorporating strategies to enhance industrial zones and optimize traffic along the western provincial route.

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