Gwadar Positioned as Regional Trade Hub
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Thursday unveiled Pakistan’s vision to turn Gwadar into a regional trade and logistics hub by proposing a China–Gwadar–Africa maritime corridor. He highlighted that enhanced connectivity through Gwadar would link regional markets and boost transit trade revenues.
“Chaudhry invited Dongjiang firms to invest in bonded warehouses, cold chain facilities and bulk cargo handling in Gwadar, and proposed developing a China–Gwadar–Africa logistics corridor,” the ministry said in a statement.
Meeting with Shandong Xinxu Group
During his talks with Shandong Xinxu Group Corporation, Chaudhry welcomed their proposal for an Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex in Pakistan. He assured Islamabad’s support in land, utilities, and regulatory approvals, while stressing that ship recycling facilities must meet the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) and EU standards.
He also invited Shandong to partner with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) in fleet expansion through new builds, leasing, or feeder services linked to Gwadar. Collaboration in dry dock or floating dock facilities at Port Qasim and Gwadar, as well as EU-certified fish processing and aquaculture research for seafood exports, was also proposed.
Talks with Tianjin Dongjiang Free Trade Zone
In Beijing, the minister met officials from the Tianjin Dongjiang Comprehensive Free Trade Zone (TDFTPZ), China’s leading shipping, leasing, and logistics hub. Discussions focused on ship financing and leasing opportunities for Aframax tankers, container vessels, and bulk carriers to expand PNSC’s fleet without heavy upfront costs.
Chaudhry urged Dongjiang firms to expand into Gwadar through bonded warehouses, cold chain logistics, and bulk cargo facilities. He also called for training programs for Pakistani free zone managers and customs officials, and invited an investment mission from Dongjiang to visit Gwadar in 2025.
Food Logistics and Frozen Exports
In another meeting with FANJIEYUN International, a major frozen food and meat importer, Chaudhry discussed transforming Gwadar into a logistics hub with bonded warehousing and transhipment corridors. He suggested reviving feeder vessel services and commissioning a feasibility study for a dedicated freight hub operation at the port.
Strategic Focus on Blue Economy
The minister underlined Pakistan’s growing focus on the blue economy, calling maritime cooperation with China a critical pathway for long-term economic growth. He said Islamabad is determined to make Gwadar a gateway for regional trade, connecting Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
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