Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has directed the relevant authorities to prepare a comprehensive six-month action plan to operationalize Gwadar Port as a regional trade hub. Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, the minister emphasized Gwadar’s strategic importance in facilitating trade between Gulf countries and China.
The meeting, attended by senior officials from the Planning Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Railways, and Ministry of Petroleum, along with other key departments, focused on streamlining Gwadar Port’s operations to attract international trade traffic. Representatives from embassies participated in the discussions via video link.
Highlighting Gwadar’s geographical advantage, Ahsan Iqbal stated that the port offers the shortest and most cost-effective trade route to Gulf and Central Asian countries, including Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. He underscored the need for marketing templates and incentive packages to showcase Gwadar’s competitive edge to international businesses.
The minister directed the preparation of an action plan aimed at generating trade traffic through the port. He called for aggressive marketing strategies to promote Gwadar as the most economical and efficient trade route for imports and exports.
Ahsan Iqbal also urged the Balochistan Mining Department to develop proposals for exporting finished white marble instead of raw materials, emphasizing value addition to enhance Pakistan’s mineral exports.
Additionally, he instructed the National Logistics Cell (NLC) to conduct a detailed cost analysis of trans-shipment routes to ensure Gwadar remains competitive in the region. The minister stressed the importance of viable logistics solutions and competitive pricing to attract international trade.
The initiatives, he noted, would not only enhance Gwadar’s regional connectivity but also create job opportunities for local residents and boost the regional economy.
The minister concluded by reiterating Gwadar Port’s potential as one of Pakistan’s most valuable assets and a cornerstone for the nation’s economic growth and trade facilitation.
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