Govt seeks action plan to bolster trade thru Gwadar port

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal directed the relevant authorities to prepare a robust action plan, marketing templates and packages within six months to generate trade traffic and to focus efforts to facilitate trade between Gulf countries and China through Gwadar Port.

The minister gave these directions while chairing a high-level meeting on the operationalisation of Gwadar Port in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Planning Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Petroleum, and other relevant departments.

Representatives from embassies participated in the discussion via video link.

During the meeting, the minister emphasised Gwadar Port’s strategic significance as one of Pakistan’s most valuable assets. He highlighted that Gwadar provides the shortest trade route to Gulf and Central Asian countries, including Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, and has immense potential to serve as a key regional trans-shipment hub. The minister directed the preparation of marketing templates and packages showcasing Gwadar’s cost-effective trade routes and potential incentives for international businesses. He stressed the need for a robust action plan within six months to generate trade traffic through the port.

The minister also called for focused efforts to facilitate trade between Gulf countries and China through Gwadar, presenting it as the most economical and efficient route for imports and exports. He reiterated that the port offers the cheapest shipping options and must be marketed aggressively to the international community.

He urged the Balochistan Mining Department to develop proposals for exporting finished white marble instead of raw materials, emphasising the importance of value addition to enhance Pakistan’s mineral exports.

The minister said that these initiatives aim to create job opportunities for local residents and boost the regional economy. To ensure Gwadar remains competitive in the region, the minister instructed the National Logistics Cell (NLC) to conduct a detailed cost analysis for trans-shipment routes. He highlighted the need for competitive pricing and viable logistics solutions to attract international trade.