Pakistan to expand Gwadar Port to boost maritime trade, regional connectivity

ISLAMABAD, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Ministry of Maritime Affairs on Tuesday announced a comprehensive plan to expand operations at Gwadar Port by establishing new shipping lines and introducing a ferry service to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the ministry said in a statement.

Chairing a meeting here, Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost regional connectivity, enhance Pakistan's maritime trade, and develop Gwadar into a major transshipment and logistics hub in the Arabian Sea.

The federal minister added that the expansion would support growing trade with Central Asia and the Middle East, while positioning Gwadar as a central node in regional supply chains.

As part of the initiative, the ministry also plans to launch a ferry service from Gwadar to GCC countries to provide affordable and direct maritime transport for passengers and cargo.

Located in the county's southwest Balochistan province, the port is a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Launched in 2013, the flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative connects Gwadar port with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.■