Gwadar Port’s rising activity reflects CPEC’s success

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd May, 2026) Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has highlighted the growing strategic and economic importance of Gwadar Port under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), stating that the recent surge in cargo handling reflects Pakistan’s rising role as a regional trade and logistics hub.

PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain noted that increasing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20 percent of global oil and LNG trade passes, have compelled international shipping operators to seek alternative and secure maritime routes. In this evolving regional environment, Gwadar Port has emerged as a strategically significant gateway due to its location along the Arabian Sea and its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz.

He added that Gwadar’s rapid rise in port operations reflects the long-term success of CPEC as a transformative economic initiative. He remarked that Gwadar is no longer merely a port project but a comprehensive trade and investment hub connecting Pakistan with regional and global markets.

He emphasized that CPEC has strengthened Pakistan’s economic foundations through modern infrastructure, energy development, and improved regional connectivity. He further noted that Gwadar’s strategic location gives Pakistan a competitive advantage in facilitating trade between South Asia, Central Asia, the middle East, and China.

PCJCCI Senior Vice President Brig. (R) Mansoor Saeed Sheikh observed that increase in shipping activity at Gwadar is directly linked to the infrastructure development carried out under CPEC over the last decade.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

He highlighted major projects including the Gwadar Free Zone, Eastbay Expressway, modern highways, and the New Gwadar International Airport inaugurated in January 2025 with Chinese cooperation. He stated that these initiatives have significantly improved Pakistan’s logistics and transportation capacity while increasing investor confidence and facilitating foreign direct investment.

PCJCCI Vice President Amir Ali pointed out that the port’s deep-sea facilities enable it to accommodate large cargo vessels and handle increasing trade volumes efficiently.

He emphasized that sectors including logistics, agriculture, fisheries, mining, manufacturing, and information technology are expected to benefit from Gwadar’s expansion and enhanced regional connectivity. He added that continued policy consistency, investor-friendly reforms, and stronger business-to-business collaboration will further accelerate trade and investment under CPEC.

PCJCCI Secretary General Salahuddin Hanif stated that Gwadar offers a complete economic corridor linking the Arabian Sea with Western China and Central Asia through integrated road, rail, and energy networks established under CPEC. He noted that recent arrivals of machinery, fertilizer, and transshipment goods indicate the beginning of a long-term structural shift in regional trade dynamics rather than a temporary increase in shipping activity.