Pakistan, Kazakhstan Explore Trade Routes via Gwadar and Karachi Ports
Pakistan and Kazakhstan have engaged in discussions to strengthen trade ties through joint ventures at the Karachi and Gwadar seaports, Pakistan’s maritime affairs ministry confirmed on Tuesday. The talks come as Islamabad accelerates efforts to position itself as a regional transit hub under its “Vision Central Asia” policy, which promotes cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity, and investment with Central Asian nations.
Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry met Kazakh Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin in Islamabad to explore ways of enhancing maritime collaboration. Chaudhry emphasized initiating joint ventures within Gwadar’s free zones, highlighting the potential of both ports to support Kazakhstan’s trade expansion.
P.c. Dunya News
The Kazakh envoy expressed his country’s strong interest in utilizing Pakistan’s ports as transit hubs for Central Asia. He revealed that a ministerial delegation, led by Kazakhstan’s communication minister, will soon visit Pakistan for detailed discussions on maritime logistics and trade opportunities.
Chaudhry described Karachi and Gwadar ports as strategic gateways, connecting Central Asian markets with the Arabian Gulf, Africa, and Southeast Asia. He underscored Pakistan’s determination to strengthen economic links across the region, positioning its ports as essential trade facilitators.
Karachi remains Pakistan’s busiest port handling the majority of imports and exports, while Gwadar, situated near the Strait of Hormuz, offers unmatched access to the Arabian Sea. With its role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Gwadar is central to regional trade ambitions. Islamabad hopes to leverage these critical ports to boost its $350 billion economy and expand regional connectivity.