The government is making active efforts to engage private shipping companies to launch transshipment services between Gwadar Port and the Persian Gulf, signaling a step forward in operationalizing the port’s commercial potential.
This development was shared during a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Gwadar Port’s operationalization, chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal in Islamabad on Friday.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs informed the meeting that initial cargo for transshipment will include minerals, dates, seafood, and cement, focusing on key sectors such as mining, fisheries, and processing industries.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal stressed the importance of promoting Gwadar Port in global trade exhibitions, positioning it as a cost-effective and strategic hub connecting the Gulf region with Central Asia. He urged stakeholders to market available incentives to attract international business.
Highlighting the port’s geographic advantage, Iqbal called Gwadar the shortest trade route to countries like Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, underlining its potential as a central transshipment hub in the region.
He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate the formation of a four-nation consortium to conduct a pre-feasibility study on an undersea tunnel project linking Gwadar to Oman, which would connect South Asia to the Gulf Cooperation Council. He also mentioned ongoing proposals for ferry links with Gulf nations, leveraging China’s strong trade footprint.
To improve the port’s appeal to foreign shipping lines, Iqbal instructed the Gwadar Port Authority to ensure high-quality accommodation and leisure facilities for international crews. The Director General confirmed the availability of a five-star hotel and other quality lodging options.
Regarding the development of the aquaculture industry, the Planning Minister was briefed that the Gilgit-Baltistan Fisheries Department is working with China Overseas Ports Holding Company Limited on joint land surveys and feasibility studies. Talks are also underway with Chinese trawler companies to use Gwadar for offloading and fish processing operations.
Iqbal emphasized the need to protect the interests of local fishermen and to integrate them into the fish processing value chain.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs noted that all port-related projects are being aligned with Pakistan’s first-ever Fisheries and Aquatic Water Policy. Additionally, two proposals for launching ferry services are currently being evaluated.
The meeting also discussed turning Gwadar into a mining-specific port for Balochistan, complete with ore smelting and mineral transport infrastructure. The Ministry of Railways announced that a feasibility study for the Mineral Corridor Rail Link has been completed to support this initiative.
The Balochistan government representative updated the committee that 30% of the Gwadar Safe City Project has been completed, with full completion targeted by June of next year.
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