After clearing customs, a fleet of 25 domestically produced tractor trucks, worth a combined USD 1.5 million, set off from Khunjerab Pass in Xinjiang, China. These “Made in China” trucks will traverse the Karakoram Highway to reach Sost Port in Pakistan, a key distribution hub for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and international markets, as reported.
Since the start of the year, 1,271 vehicles have crossed the border, moving 12,432 tons of goods valued at more than USD 95.26 million, based on local customs statistics. Khunjerab Pass, situated in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County in Kashgar, serves as the only land border crossing between China and Pakistan. Previously, due to harsh winter weather and high-altitude conditions, it remained operational for only eight months annually.
However, from December 1, 2024, the pass has been open year-round, becoming the first high-altitude land port under the BRI to function continuously. A Pakistani truck driver, identified as Khan, highlighted that keeping the Karakoram Highway operational in winter has unlocked new trade opportunities between China and Pakistan, reducing transportation costs, especially for refrigerated cargo.
“Now, goods can reach Kashgar from Karachi in just eight days. Factoring in cargo value, transit duration, and cost, land transportation has become a more viable alternative compared to sea or air freight,” Khan remarked. He frequently transports frozen seafood northward from Karachi via the Karakoram Highway to Kashgar. This year, Khunjerab Pass has recorded 3,962 cross-border travelers and processed 3,036.46 tons of agricultural and related products.
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