The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has launched a mega project to increase working capacity of Gwadar Port by opening new shipping lines as well as introduce new ferry operation between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
As per a press statement issued on Tuesday, the decision, however, was announced in a high-level meeting, chaired by the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, in Islamabad.
Chaudhry said that the project is part of the government plan to strengthen connectivity in the region, increase maritime trade, and enable Gwadar to transform into a big hub in the Arabian sea.
“Our vision is to turn Gwadar into a hub of strategic transshipment and logistics, which will be beneficial to Pakistan in general and the region as a whole.”
The minister made this issue clear now that, Gwadar Port has been fully operational, it is now time to hasten its integration to the global maritime systems. He guided concerned departments to make all effort possible to boost the commercial aspect of the port and explore its potential.
He added that more shipping lines will be attached to Gwadar to enable more transportation of goods in order to enhance transit trade with Central Asia and Middle East as well as contribute to the growing position of Pakistan in regional logistics system.
The new corridors will offload pressure on the existing ports and make the movement of cargo faster and efficient as explained by the federal minister.
Besides improving the aspect of cargo operation, the ministry has also proposed to introduce a ferry service to GCC nations through Gwadar.
The decision will give passengers and cargo an affordable direct ocean connection, and this will also be enjoyed especially by expatriate communities and cross border traders.
