A five-year maritime action plan (20252029) agreed between Pakistan and China has operationalised the Chinagwadarafrica shipping corridor. It is comprised of feeder routes, bonded warehouses, and the development of Gwadar as a prototype, the Green Port, which is intended to enhance the regional trade and connectivity.
Five-Year Maritime Action Plan
The action plan will also be developed through five feeder routes, bonded warehouses, and transshipment facilities to establish regional trade. The connectivity of Gwadar is going to be expanded by creating short-route infrastructure and connecting it to the Islamabad-Turkiye-Iran rail and road networks. They will also be involved in feasibility studies to ensure the implementation is sustainable.
Gwadar as Green Port and Trade Hub
According to the plan, Gwadar will be transformed into a model green port and an important trade center for the Central Asian Republics, Afghanistan, West Asia, and Africa. The Gwadar Free Zone will eventually expand its facilities to accommodate 15 industries, including seafood processing, petrochemicals, and car manufacturing plants that have been brought to China. Single-point mooring connectivity shall also be increased.
Economic and Employment Impact
The project will create 25,000 jobs, and it is anticipated that the project will contribute 30 percent to the GDP of the Gwadar district by 2027. Pakistani businesses will sign MoUs to facilitate mutual operation at the Gwadar Port and Free Zone. Besides this, blue economy training will be initiated among 1,000 locals in the fields of fisheries, aquaculture, and logistics.
Infrastructure Development
The major projects to be undertaken within the plan include the expansion of Gwadar Port, the completion of Free Zone Stage II, the completion of East Bay Expressway Phase II, and the integration of New Gwadar International Airport. Gwadar will also be connected to Chinese and global networks through smart port technologies, as well as electronic data interchange. Additionally, cold storage and warehousing will enhance trade efficiency.
Science, Tourism, and Sustainability
Science, industry, and tourism cooperations are also highlighted in the framework. Collaborations are proposed between marine science research centres and CPEC Industrial Parks to build ships, raise aquaculture and maritime tourism-related ventures, such as cruises and water sports. Being an academic partner will help develop competent manpower in logistics, port operations, and fisheries that align with the green energy and ocean objectives of the Belt and Road.
Enhancing Pakistan-China Maritime Relationship
Federal Minister of Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry termed the five-year plan as critical towards establishing a strong maritime economy and cementing strategic relationships with China. He added that Pakistan is committed to promoting sustainable growth, environmental conservation, and regional integration through CPEC initiatives.
