Khunjerab Pass opens year-round for trade expansion

Khunjerab Pass opens year-round for trade expansion as per a recent statement by port authority.

The Khunjerab Pass, the only land port connecting China and Pakistan in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has transitioned to year-round service starting Sunday, as per the port’s customs authority, reported by Xinhua News Agency.

Situated in the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Kashgar, the port lies within the core area of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Previously, the port operated seasonally, from April to November, and closed during winter due to high altitude and adverse weather conditions like snow and ice.

Since April 1, 2023, traffic through the Khunjerab Pass has surged, with over 50,000 passenger trips recorded by customs.

By the end of October, the port facilitated more than 11,000 vehicle crossings and handled 40,900 tons of goods, marking year-on-year increases of 42.6% in vehicles and 72.7% in cargo, highlighting significant growth.

At approximately 5,000 meters above sea level, the Khunjerab Pass serves as a vital trade link between China and Pakistan and an important gateway to South Asia and Europe.

China primarily imports textiles, agricultural products, and daily goods through the port, while exporting plants and herbs. Between 2016 and 2020, the port’s cargo volume surpassed 200,000 tons, according to customs records.

During the 2023 Belt and Road Forum, China and Pakistan jointly announced the Khunjerab Pass’s shift to full-year operations, a move expected to significantly enhance economic and cultural ties between the two nations.