China sees Gwadar port’s ‘greater role’ in regional trade

China reiterated its support on Tuesday for a greater role of Gwadar deep seaport in the regional trade as an important component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) flagship project.

Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Lijian Zhao said that the international transit activities had started with the arrival of first fish cargo at the Gwadar port for onward shipment to China.

“We are glad to see the new progress. We support the Gwadar port’s greater role in the regional cooperation on trade and goods,” Lijian said, expressing his pleasure over the start of international transit activities at the port.

Lijain said that during his posting as deputy head of mission at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, he visited Gwadar port for six times. “From its building and use, I am quite impressed by the achievements at the Gwadar port,” he stated.

He remarked that the facts had proven that CPEC had not only benefited Chinese and Pakistani people, but had also facilitated the regional connectivity and economic cooperation. “We are confident that with efforts from all parties, the CPEC will surely play a more positive role in helping the region achieve prosperity,” Lijian added.

The arrival of a ship, carrying 200 tonnes of fish from the international water for onward shipment to China in refrigerated containers, was the outcome of a special initiative taken under the guidance of the prime minister to kick start operations at the Gwadar port, the spokesperson added.

“This reflects the confidence of the international business community and shipping lines in the economic potential of the port,” he said. He added that a dedicated Directorate of Transit Trade had been established in Gwadar to work closely with the stakeholders to transform the port into a major transit trade hub.