Gwadar Port Development Reviewed to Boost Regional Trade and Maritime Economy
Federal Secretary for Maritime Affairs Capt. (Retd.) Muhammad Khurram Agha has commenced a two-day visit to Gwadar to review port operations, ongoing development projects, and measures aimed at expanding the port's role in regional trade and Pakistan's maritime economy.
During a meeting at the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) headquarters, officials reviewed the progress of key development initiatives, including the Gwadar Free Zone, transit trade, transshipment activities, and infrastructure projects. Upon arrival, the federal secretary was received by GPA Chairman Noor-ul-Haq Baloch and senior officials. He subsequently chaired a meeting to examine administrative matters, port operations, and the status of ongoing development schemes.
The GPA chairman briefed the secretary on the port's operational position, infrastructure requirements, development activities, and future expansion plans. Officials also provided a detailed briefing on the Gwadar desalination plant, which has a stated capacity of producing 1.2 million gallons of water per day. The facility was discussed in the context of meeting the water requirements associated with the port and surrounding development activities.
The meeting also reviewed operations and development plans for the Gwadar Free Zone, Gwadar International Terminal, and the GPA master plan. Participants discussed strategies to improve port infrastructure, attract commercial and industrial activity, and create favourable conditions for greater private-sector investment.
The expansion of transit trade and transshipment operations was also examined, with officials considering measures to increase the port's commercial utilisation and strengthen its connectivity with regional markets. The secretary stressed the importance of effective planning and coordination among relevant institutions to support Gwadar's long-term development and enhance its contribution to the country's maritime economy.
Officials indicated that the visit would also provide an opportunity to assess ongoing projects, identify operational requirements, and engage relevant stakeholders on future development priorities. The high-level review is expected to continue throughout the secretary's two-day visit, with further discussions focusing on port infrastructure, Free Zone activities, commercial expansion, and Gwadar's potential as a regional trade and maritime hub.