Coordinator to Minister of State and Federal Tax Ombudsman Saif ur Rehman Sunday said the five-year Maritime Affairs Action Plan (2025-2029), unleashed by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Ch is poised to transform Gwadar into a regional trade and transit hub.
Speaking to a delegation of women entrepreneurs led by Ms Nida Ejaz he said the plan, aligned with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), seeks to enhance maritime cooperation with China while promoting economic connectivity with Afghanistan, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The framework emphasises infrastructure development, including the expansion of Gwadar Port, completion of Free Zone Stage II, and acceleration of East Bay Expressway Phase II to improve inland accessibility. A key component is the integration of the airport with the port to support multi-modal transit and regional logistics,he added.
U folding salient features of the plan,Saif Ur Rehman said the plan also supports the adoption of electronic data interchange systems and smart port technologies to integrate Gwadar with Chinese and international shipping networks. Development of port-related industries, cold storage facilities, and warehousing is part of the strategy to facilitate transshipment and regional trade. The plan aligns with the Belt and Road Initiative’s “green energy and ocean” objectives, emphasising sustainable use of marine resources and environmental protection.