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Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Ministry unveils plan to expand operational capacity of Gwadar port
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand the operational capacity of Gwadar Port by establishing additional shipping lines and launching a new ferry service connecting Pakistan with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This was announced by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry during a dinner with journalists after chairing a high-level meeting with senior officials of the ministry. 'The initiative is part of the government's broader strategy to enhance regional connectivity, boost maritime trade, and position Gwadar as a major hub in the Arabian Sea,' said Junaid Chaudhry. 'We aim to transform Gwadar into a strategic trans-shipment and logistics centre, benefiting Pakistan and the wider region.' The minister emphasised that with Gwadar Port now fully operational, it is time to accelerate its integration into the international maritime networks. He directed relevant departments to pursue all necessary steps to increase the port's commercial activity and unlock its full potential. He said additional shipping lines will be connected to Gwadar to facilitate greater movement of goods, promote transit trade with Central Asia and the Middle East, and support Pakistan's growing role in the regional logistics landscape. 'The new routes will reduce pressure on existing ports and ensure faster, more efficient cargo handling,' the federal minister stated. In addition to enhancing cargo operations, the ministry has also planned to launch a ferry service from Gwadar to GCC countries. This move is expected to provide an affordable, direct maritime link for passengers and cargo, and will particularly benefit expatriate communities, and cross-border traders. 'The ferry service will strengthen people-to-people ties, boost tourism, and provide a new economic lifeline for Balochistan,' the minister said, adding it will create local employment, improve supporting infrastructure, and attract private sector participation, especially in the areas of ship services, hospitality, and transportation. The ministry has initiated consultations with shipping companies, maritime authorities, and port operators to finalise technical, legal, and logistical frameworks for both the new shipping lines and the ferry service. Safety, affordability, and environmental sustainability will be key priorities in the implementation phase. The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to fully harness the strategic importance of Gwadar. He noted that these maritime developments align with Pakistan's vision to become a regional trade corridor and enhance its blue economy, as outlined in the country's National Maritime Policy. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
01-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Maritime sector targets Rs100b profit for FY2025
Experts say sustainable future of Pakistan's maritime sector is in green shipping plan. PHOTO: EXPRESS Listen to article Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh has stressed the need for a fresh and holistic Maritime Policy 2025 to harness the potential of growing economies in Central Asia. Addressing the National Maritime Policy Workshop 2025, Shaikh pointed out that Pakistan's ports are currently operating at only 50% of their capacity and projected that capacity utilisation would increase significantly as Pakistan's total import-export volume rises. "However, we need to keep an eye on Central Asian countries as they are rapidly expanding their trade opportunities, and Pakistan should seize the opportunity as they lack their own seaports," the minister said, adding, "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has recently visited Central Asian nations to explore further business prospects." The conference, organised by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, served as a platform for discussion, collaboration, and feedback from all relevant departments and sectors related to maritime affairs. It brought together government and private sector experts. Once approved, the National Maritime Policy (NMP) 2025 will remain valid until 2047. The minister emphasised the need to expand port capacities, stating that instead of handling four containers, Pakistan's ports should be capable of accommodating ships carrying up to 20,000 containers. He said that Pakistan is attracting significant interest from global maritime companies and investors. He pointed out that the global average contribution of the maritime industry to GDP is 7%, and Pakistan can achieve a target of 5%. He also added that the maritime sector suffered losses amounting to billions of rupees last year, but a target to generate Rs100 billion in profit this year has been set. "I am sure we will achieve it," Shaikh added. The minister announced that the government has decided to route 60% of all official imports and exports through Gwadar Port. He emphasised that Gwadar Port must be upgraded with world-class facilities to establish it as a modern and fully operational deep-sea port.
