Gwadar Port Poised to Drive the Next Phase of Pakistan-China Economic Growth
Pakistan and China continue to strengthen their long-standing partnership as bilateral trade and investment relations reach new heights, reinforcing the strategic importance of economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
United Business Group (UBG) President Zubair Tufail said the 75-year diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and China has evolved into a dynamic economic alliance, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) serving as a landmark initiative that has transformed Pakistan's infrastructure, energy sector and investment landscape.
He noted that China remains Pakistan's largest trading partner and investor, with bilateral trade reaching nearly US$24 billion. Pakistan's exports to China currently stand at around US$3.5 billion, while imports from China have surpassed US$20 billion, reflecting the depth of commercial engagement between the two economies.
According to Tufail, CPEC has attracted more than US$25 billion in direct investment, supporting the development of major energy projects, highways, Gwadar Port, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and numerous industrial ventures across the country. These investments have created employment opportunities for more than 75,000 Pakistanis while contributing over 8,000 megawatts of electricity to Pakistan's national grid, helping address the country's energy needs.
Looking ahead, he emphasized the importance of accelerating the second phase of CPEC by expanding cooperation in Special Economic Zones, industrial development, agriculture, information technology, mining, e-commerce and green energy. These sectors, he said, have the potential to unlock greater economic growth and attract increased foreign investment.
Highlighting Gwadar's growing significance, Tufail said the deep-sea port is well positioned to become a leading regional trade and logistics hub. By strengthening transit trade, shipping services and export activities, Gwadar can play a pivotal role in enhancing Pakistan's connectivity with regional and international markets.
He also encouraged stronger collaboration between the private sectors of both countries through business partnerships, joint ventures and technology transfer, noting that closer commercial cooperation could significantly boost Pakistan's export potential and industrial competitiveness.
Expressing optimism about the future, Tufail said the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China will continue to advance across trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, the digital economy and regional connectivity. He also congratulated the leadership and people of China on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and acknowledged the efforts of Feng Deheng, Acting Consul General of China in Karachi, for promoting bilateral trade, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.