China-Gwadar-Africa corridor to become operational
Pakistan and China have agreed to operationalise the China-Gwadar-Africa shipping corridor with five feeder routes and bonded warehouses for trade expansion under the five-year maritime action plan for 2025-2029.
Sources told The Express Tribune that the two countries are set to finalise the action plan aimed at regional trade corridor development.
Under this plan, Gwadar will be positioned as a model "Green Port." Feasibility studies will be completed, and short-route infrastructure will be developed alongside enhanced connectivity linking Gwadar with the Islamabad-Türkiye-Iran rail and road corridors.
Gwadar is to be developed as a trade hub for Central Asian Republics (CARs), Afghanistan, and West Asia with expanded transshipment facilities.
The two countries also plan to promote Gwadar Free Zone resource utilisation. A total of 15 industries will be developed in the North Free Zone, including seafood, dates, and tuna processing plants, along with petrochemical facilities.
Single Point Mooring connectivity will be expanded, while car manufacturing plants and other industries are expected to be relocated from China.
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed with Pakistani business entities for the operationalisation of Gwadar Port and Free Zone through joint cooperation and collaboration.
Additionally, Pakistan and China will launch blue economy training for 1,000 locals in fisheries, aquaculture, and logistics at the Gwadar Blue Economy Center. These initiatives are projected to generate 25,000 jobs, with a 30% contribution to Gwadar district's GDP by 2027.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with China, with the goal of positioning Gwadar as a key regional hub for trade and connectivity.
Chairing a meeting on the five-year maritime action plan for 2025-2029, Chaudhry outlined the framework's focus on advancing marine economy development, sustainable resource use, scientific research, and environmental protection under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
He described the initiative as vital for linking Pakistan with Afghanistan, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, while emphasising major infrastructure projects such as Gwadar Port expansion, completion of Free Zone Stage II, and fast-tracking East Bay Expressway Phase II to improve accessibility. Integration of the New Gwadar International Airport with the port was also prioritised to strengthen multi-transit connectivity.
The framework promotes the adoption of electronic data interchange and smart port technologies to link Gwadar with Chinese and global shipping networks. It also includes the development of port-related industries, warehousing, and cold storage facilities to facilitate regional trade and transshipment.
Beyond infrastructure, the plan supports cooperation in science, industry, and tourism. Proposed initiatives include joint marine science research centres, CPEC Industrial Parks for fisheries, shipbuilding, and aquaculture, as well as maritime tourism ventures such as cruises and water sports along Balochistan's coast.
Education and sustainability are central to the plan, with academic partnerships and training exchanges between Pakistani and Chinese institutions aimed at developing skilled manpower in logistics, port operations, and fisheries. The plan aligns with Belt and Road's "green energy and ocean" goals to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Chaudhry stressed that the 20252029 Action Plan demonstrates Pakistan's resolve to build a resilient maritime economy and consolidate strategic ties with China.