Latest news with #GwadarPort
Arab News
12-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan plans to launch transshipment operations between Gwadar and Gulf region
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government is actively engaging private shipping liners to commence transshipment operations between Gwadar and the Gulf region, Pakistani state media reported on Friday. The statement came from officials at a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Gwadar Port operationalization, which was presided over by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. Maritime officials informed the participants that initial cargo categories will include minerals, dates, seafood, and cement, targeting sectors such as mining, fisheries, and processing industries. Iqbal said Gwadar's geostrategic position as the shortest trade route to the Gulf and Central Asia highlighted the port's potential as a regional transshipment hub, the Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported. 'Iqbal emphasized the need to showcase Gwadar Port in international road-shows as a strategic trade hub linking the Gulf and Central Asia,' the report read. 'He directed stakeholders to promote the port's cost-effective trade routes and available incentives for international businesses.' Gwadar, situated along the Arabian Sea, lies at the heart of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), under which Beijing has funneled tens of billions of dollars into massive transport, energy and infrastructure projects in Pakistan. Pakistan, slowly recovering from a macroeconomic crisis under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal, has been looking to capitalize on its geostrategic location to boost transit trade and foreign investment for a sustainable economic recovery. The country plans to cut container dwell time at its seaports by up to 70 percent to improve trade competitiveness and ease congestion, while it last month reduced port charges for exporters by 50 percent at the country's second biggest Port Qasim.
Arab News
01-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan to launch Gulf ferry service from Gwadar to boost regional trade, connectivity
KARACHI: Pakistan announced its plans to launch a direct ferry service between Gwadar and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on Tuesday, saying it will strengthen regional ties, ease passenger movement and tap into new trade opportunities with the Middle Eastern market. The initiative is part of Pakistan's broader efforts to deepen economic linkages with GCC states, a region it has actively courted for trade, investment, employment and energy cooperation in recent years. 'The ferry service will strengthen people-to-people ties, boost tourism and provide a new economic lifeline for Balochistan,' said Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, according to a government handout. 'It will create local employment, improve supporting infrastructure and attract private sector participation, especially in ship services, hospitality and transport,' he added. The ferry service is part of a broader government plan to scale up Gwadar Port's operational capacity. During a high-level meeting chaired by the minister in Islamabad, officials also discussed establishing new shipping lines linked to Gwadar to boost cargo movement, promote transit trade with Central Asia and the Middle East and strengthen Pakistan's role in the regional logistics network. 'We aim to transform Gwadar into a strategic transshipment and logistics center, benefiting Pakistan and the wider region,' Chaudhry said, directing relevant departments to accelerate integration of Gwadar into international maritime networks. Located in the volatile southwestern province of Balochistan, Gwadar Port was developed under the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative. Despite its strategic location near Gulf shipping lanes, Gwadar has struggled to match the commercial activity of Pakistan's older ports in and around Karachi, which continue to dominate trade and industrial operations. Chaudhry said the new initiatives would help rebalance trade flows, reduce pressure on existing ports and position Gwadar as a gateway for regional connectivity. The ministry has begun consultations with shipping companies, maritime authorities and private operators to finalize technical, legal and logistical frameworks. Safety, affordability and environmental sustainability will be key considerations as the plans move toward implementation. The minister also reaffirmed the government's commitment to Pakistan's National Maritime Policy and long-term goal of expanding the country's blue economy through better port infrastructure and trade facilitation.
News18
28-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Beijing Snubs Islamabad, Seeks Direct Talks With Baloch Groups To Secure CPEC
Reported By : Edited By: Last Updated: May 28, 2025, 17:04 IST Projects like Gwadar Port and the Reko Diq mining initiative have made little progress, and Beijing is now under pressure to move forward.(Reuters/File) CNN-News18 has learnt from top intelligence sources that China is now pushing for direct engagement with Baloch groups, bypassing the Pakistan Army, to secure its investments in Balochistan and accelerate progress on the stalled China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This intent was formally conveyed to Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif during his recent Beijing visit. China's desire stems from continued threats to CPEC, despite investments of over $60 billion, as Baloch insurgents repeatedly target key infrastructure. Projects like Gwadar Port and the Reko Diq mining initiative have made little progress, and Beijing is now under pressure to move forward — especially as the US has shown interest in Balochistan's vast mineral reserves. Sources confirm that China wants to talk directly to the Baloch to speed up the process and signal positively to other Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partners. China has struggled for over a decade and now believes that the real custodian of Balochistan is the Balochi people. It recognises that relying solely on the Pakistan Army has resulted in body bags and broken promises. Chinese officials argue that direct negotiations will reduce insurgent attacks, protect their personnel, and help ensure that mineral extraction can proceed uninterrupted. They believe this shift could ease the Pakistan Army's security burden, recast China's role from aggressor to stabiliser, and further strengthen China-Pakistan relations. However, Baloch distrust runs deep, especially after the 2019 secret talks in Dubai collapsed over transparency issues. While some factions are open to dialogue, others remain sceptical of China's intentions. The groups are divided on key demands — including autonomy, revenue-sharing, and an end to military operations. Before any formal negotiations, China will have to engage with each group separately and work towards consolidating a common position, a process that will be complex and politically sensitive. The stakes are high. Balochistan holds an estimated $6 trillion in untapped minerals — including copper, gold, and lithium — critical for China's green-tech ambitions. Direct engagement would bypass bureaucratic delays, ensure long-term supply chain security, and let China collect all mineral wealth with reduced risk. China is also reportedly interested in establishing police posts along CPEC routes, a proposal the Baloch people have firmly resisted. This kind of engagement is not seen as beneficial to anyone except China, as the Baloch risk losing their sovereignty, and Pakistan could lose control over the region. Swipe Left For Next Video View all Adding to the tension is the fact that China receives 91 per cent of the revenue generated by Gwadar port, leaving only a marginal share for local communities. This imbalance has deepened resentment among the Baloch, who see themselves as being excluded from the economic benefits of projects on their own land. As a result, Baloch groups continue to demand greater autonomy, a just share in resource distribution, and an end to military operations and human rights abuses in the region. This development is a potential blow to Pakistan's military and government, who now face mounting pressure to address longstanding issues. With Beijing charting its own course, the future of Balochistan — and Pakistan's role in it — hangs in the balance. News world Beijing Snubs Islamabad, Seeks Direct Talks With Baloch Groups To Secure CPEC | Exclusive
