Gwadar Port Poised to Handle 60% of Public Sector Imports

ISLAMABAD: The federal government is assessing the feasibility of routing 60% of public sector imports—such as wheat, fertilizer, and sugar—through Gwadar Port as part of efforts to enhance its utilization and establish it as a key trade hub.

This proposal was a focal point of discussion during a meeting of the federal cabinet committee, chaired by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal. The session also included Maritime Affairs Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and senior representatives from the commerce, maritime affairs, interior, and planning ministries.

According to an official statement, the committee, tasked with providing actionable recommendations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reviewed the progress on current plans and deliberated on strategies to boost Gwadar Port’s integration into the national trade framework.

The committee agreed to convene monthly meetings and submit quarterly reports to the cabinet to monitor the port’s development. Discussions emphasized utilizing Gwadar for bulk imports, including wheat, sugar, and urea, through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP).

Minister Jam Kamal suggested a two-pronged strategy, highlighting steps to foster an enabling business environment while leveraging immediate opportunities such as public sector imports. The committee also explored the potential for containerized imports and exports via the port.

The meeting proposed forming a dedicated working group to engage the private sector and encourage trade through Gwadar by offering targeted incentives. The viability of Gwadar Port for transshipment and transit trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics (CARs) was also assessed.

Additionally, the committee noted China’s interest in utilizing Gwadar under the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative and acknowledged the ongoing progress in transshipment activities.

By promoting Gwadar as a central hub for both public and private sector trade, the government aims to unlock its full potential and contribute to the region’s economic growth.