Pakistan and Kazakhstan are moving closer to signing a Gwadar Port access agreement during the Kazakh president’s scheduled visit in November.
Maritime Cooperation Gathers Pace
According to officials, a high-level Kazakh delegation is expected in Islamabad this September to finalise arrangements, marking a key step in enhancing regional maritime connectivity.
In earlier talks, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Kazakh Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin explored joint ventures at Karachi and Gwadar ports. Both sides emphasised the importance of expanding cooperation in logistics and the blue economy to enhance Kazakhstan’s access to global markets.
Kazakhstan Eyes Trade Expansion
Kazakhstan, a landlocked nation, plans to establish a goods terminal at Karachi Port for exports to the European Union and the United States. Pakistan, however, is pushing for Gwadar Port to serve as the main transit hub for Central Asian trade.
Ambassador Kistafin welcomed the proposals, noting that Kazakhstan is eager to utilise Pakistani ports not just for Astana, but for the wider Central Asian region.
Upcoming Delegation Visit
A Kazakh ministerial delegation, led by the country’s Minister of Communications, who also oversees maritime affairs, will soon visit Pakistan for in-depth discussions on maritime trade, logistics, and infrastructure development.
Minister Chaudhry highlighted that Pakistani ports serve as gateways to the Arabian Gulf, Africa, and Southeast Asia. He underlined that Pakistan’s “Vision Central Asia” policy aims to deepen regional trade links through innovative strategies and international partnerships.
Karachi and Gwadar’s Strategic Role
Karachi handles most of Pakistan’s imports and exports, while Gwadar, situated near the Strait of Hormuz, is central to regional trade and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Islamabad hopes these ports can become vital transit corridors for Central Asian states, enhancing Pakistan’s $350 billion economy while driving regional integration.
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