Gwadar Deep Seaport Gains Momentum as a Strategic Hub for Global Trade
As the linchpin of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Gwadar deep seaport in the southwestern region of Pakistan is poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in both regional and global trade.
From handling bulk cargo like agricultural products to containerized goods such as fertilizers and essential supplies, and even staple products like liquefied petroleum gas, there has been a significant surge in business volume since the commencement of this year.
A recent report highlights that in the initial half of the current year, Gwadar Port accomplished a container throughput of 1,162 TEUs and a bulk cargo throughput of 506,800 tons.
Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair of the Islamabad-based think tank, Global Silk Route Research Alliance, emphasized, "Through sea, land, and air connectivity, Gwadar Port is increasingly evolving into a regional logistics hub, effectively linking with the Middle East, Central Asian countries, and China, thereby creating opportunities for the integrated development of Pakistan and its neighboring nations."
Beyond being a mere port, Gwadar serves as the crucial link connecting China's western economic zones to the sea. For instance, Kashgar, which is 4,500 km away from the Shanghai seaport, is only 2,033 km from Gwadar, as highlighted in the KASB report.
The report also revealed that approximately 60 percent of Chinese oil imports originate from the Middle East, and the inauguration of Gwadar Port significantly reduces the marine distance from 16,000 km to 5,000 km, along with reducing the shipping duration from 45 days to just 10 days. This strategic advantage is estimated to generate transit revenue of USD 70 billion per annum through Gwadar Port for Pakistan.
The Gwadar Port Free Zone, allocated 2,281 acres of land for infrastructural development, has completed the first phase (60 acres) of the project. Currently, 46 enterprises are registered in the Free Zone, with three companies already in production.
Transportation is further bolstered by the inauguration of the 19 km long Eastbay Expressway on June 22, 2022, connecting the Free Zone with the network of National Highways. This ensures smooth logistic transportation of import, export, and transit goods.
Akbar Reis, Chairman of the Gwadar Fisheries Association, emphasized the vital role of the newly opened expressway as a logistics channel for Gwadar Port trade, benefiting not only businesses but also the majority of local fishermen. "This road is crucial to us because the built breakwater protects fishing boats from ocean thunderstorms and storms. With this road, the transportation of goods between the port and major cities will be seamless."
Gwadar, translating to "the gate of wind" in Urdu, has now truly opened its gate of development through CPEC. The port's progression as a trade hub extends beyond the sea. Simultaneously, with the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) achieving full operational status, it is set to emerge as a transformative force in global trade and connectivity.
Nagman Abdul, Chairman of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, eagerly anticipates the future export of lobsters to China from the new airport. He envisions that, "After the new airport is put into use completely, the packaged lobsters can be flown to China the next morning!" Once fully operational, the new airport will form a modern three-dimensional transportation network, seamlessly integrating sea, land, and air with Gwadar Port and the Eastbay Expressway.