Ahsan Iqbal Calls for Enhanced Promotion of Gwadar Port

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has underscored the importance of showcasing Gwadar Port at international events, positioning it as a pivotal trade gateway connecting the Gulf region with Central Asia, as stated by a ministry release.

He urged relevant parties to actively promote the port’s cost-effective trade options and the incentives offered to international firms, the statement added.

“Effective promotional resources should be distributed through Pakistan’s embassies and diplomatic missions globally to ensure Gwadar Port receives worldwide attention,” Iqbal remarked while leading a session of the Cabinet Committee focused on making Gwadar Port fully operational.

The meeting, organized by Dr. Waqas Anwar from the Planning Commission, included high-ranking officials from the Gwadar Port Authority and various ministries, such as Maritime Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Finance.

“The meeting was centered on completing a detailed plan to expedite the operational readiness of Gwadar Port. Key discussion points featured hosting a global conference in Islamabad to boost international awareness of Gwadar Port, creating a strong marketing approach, and improving diplomatic efforts to draw investment from Central Asian countries,” the ministry conveyed.

The Planning Minister learned that the Maritime Affairs Ministry is working with private shipping companies to initiate transshipment activities between Gwadar and the Persian Gulf.

“Initial cargo will include minerals, dates, seafood, and cement, targeting mining, fishing, and processing sectors.”

Iqbal stressed the need to feature Gwadar Port prominently at global roadshows, emphasizing its strategic role in linking the Gulf and Central Asia.

The minister highlighted Gwadar’s geostrategic importance, noting it as the shortest trade route to the Gulf and Central Asia, including Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan, and its potential as a regional hub.

He directed the Foreign Affairs Ministry to form a four-nation group to conduct a preliminary study on linking South Asia with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) from Gwadar to Oman via an undersea tunnel.

“There are also proposals to set up ferry services with Gulf countries, leveraging China’s significant trade presence.”

Iqbal tasked the Director General of the Gwadar Port Authority with ensuring quality accommodation for international shipping crews to encourage return visits.

The DG confirmed that high-quality lodging, including a 5-star hotel, is available, the statement noted.

Regarding aquaculture development, the Fisheries Department of Gwadar is working with China Overseas Ports Holding Company Limited on land surveys and feasibility studies.

Iqbal stressed the importance of protecting local fishermen’s interests and integrating them into the fish processing chain. Officials reported positive engagement with the fishermen’s union.

Discussions are also ongoing with Chinese trawler companies to use Gwadar as a hub for offloading and processing fish.

“Involving local fishermen in the fishing industry’s decision-making processes is essential for sustainable fishing practices and ensuring fair market access,” the minister said.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs affirmed that all projects for the port’s operationalization align with Pakistan’s Fisheries and Aquatic Water Policy. Two ferry service proposals are under review, according to the Planning ministry.

Additionally, talks focused on developing Gwadar into a mining port for Balochistan by building mining infrastructure.

The Ministry of Railways announced a feasibility study for a Mineral Corridor Rail Link to support this.

A Balochistan government representative reported that 30% of the Gwadar Safe City Project is complete, with full completion by June 2026. The revised plan was approved with an allocation of Rs1,500 million.

Tasks assigned to Balochistan in the previous meeting included identifying land for the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and designating a residential area for overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals.

Iqbal suggested Turbat as the preferred choice for the winter capital of Balochistan due to its larger population and commercial activity, according to the ministry.