Pakistan, China agree to operationalise Gwadar-Africa trade corridor under five-year maritime action plan

Pakistan and China have agreed to operationalize the China-Gwadar-Africa shipping corridor under a new five-year maritime action plan for 2025-2029. The plan aims to expand trade routes and establish Gwadar as a leading regional trade hub, boosting connectivity with Central Asia, Afghanistan, and West Asia, The Express Tribune reported. 

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with China, particularly focusing on marine economy development, sustainable resource use, and environmental protection under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Key infrastructure projects include the expansion of Gwadar Port, completion of Free Zone Stage II, and the fast-tracking of the East Bay Expressway Phase II to improve accessibility. The integration of the New Gwadar International Airport with the port is also a priority, facilitating multi-transit connectivity.

As part of the plan, five feeder routes and bonded warehouses will be developed to increase trade flow. Gwadar will also be transformed into a “Green Port,” with feasibility studies and infrastructure development underway. 

Efforts will also focus on enhancing connectivity between Gwadar and key rail and road corridors, including the Islamabad-Türkiye-Iran routes.

The initiative includes the promotion of Gwadar Free Zone resource utilization, with plans to develop 15 industries in the North Free Zone. 

These include seafood, dates, and tuna processing plants, alongside petrochemical facilities. Expansion of Single Point Mooring connectivity is also on the agenda, as well as the relocation of car manufacturing plants and other industries from China to Gwadar.

To support the development of Gwadar and its Free Zone, Pakistan and China will sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with local business entities for joint cooperation. 

The plan also includes the launch of a blue economy training program for 1,000 locals in fisheries, aquaculture, and logistics at the Gwadar Blue Economy Center. These efforts are expected to create 25,000 jobs, contributing 30% to Gwadar’s GDP by 2027.