The Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) signed a letter of intent (LoI) on Tuesday with Chinese firm Xinning Enterprise to stimulate significant industrial and commercial investments at Gwadar Port and its Free Zone, according to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
Located in Balochistan, Gwadar Port is a strategically significant deep-sea port and a vital component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major infrastructure initiative designed to enhance regional trade and connectivity.
Last month, the government unveiled a strategic plan to expand Gwadar Port’s capacity by introducing new shipping lines and launching a ferry service connecting Pakistan with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry highlighted that the initiative aims to position Gwadar as a central hub in the Arabian Sea, enhancing regional connectivity, maritime trade, and economic development.
The LoI, signed by Yi Jiang of Xinning Enterprise and received by Umer Zaffar Shaikh, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, includes plans for a range of ventures. These include developing Gwadar as a regional transshipment center, launching new industrial projects, optimizing existing facilities within the Gwadar Free Zone, and relocating industries. Chairman of Gwadar Port Authority, Noor-ul-Haq Baloch, joined the event via Zoom.
Both parties discussed ways to enhance the performance of Gwadar Port and committed to adhering to Pakistan’s legal and regulatory framework for port operations. They also agreed to continue discussions to identify investment opportunities, finalize operational details, and establish mechanisms for cooperation.
Chaudhry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Gwadar into a global maritime gateway and an industrial powerhouse. He emphasized that partnerships with reputable international enterprises would accelerate Pakistan’s maritime and economic goals.
Additionally, the government recently approved its first-ever ferry service licence to the international operator Sea Keepers, which will connect Pakistan to GCC countries. The new ferry service is expected to serve hundreds of thousands annually, particularly religious pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq, alongside workers and tourists heading to GCC states.
