Pakistan has unveiled its Maritime Affairs Action Plan (2025–2029), placing Gwadar at the heart of the country’s trade and transit future by linking the New Gwadar International Airport directly with the port.
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, where officials emphasized that the plan aligns with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It aims to expand Pakistan’s economic connectivity with China, Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Afghanistan.
Key priorities outlined in the plan include the expansion of Gwadar Port, completion of Free Zone Stage II, and the accelerated development of East Bay Expressway Phase II to strengthen inland transport links. A core objective is ensuring smooth integration between the airport and port, creating a modern multi-modal transit and logistics system.
The plan also places strong emphasis on digital transformation, proposing the adoption of electronic data interchange systems and smart port technologies to align Gwadar with Chinese and global shipping networks. In parallel, the government is focusing on developing port-linked industries such as warehousing, cold storage, transshipment facilities, and logistics hubs.
Beyond trade, the framework encourages cooperation in marine science, the establishment of fisheries and shipbuilding industrial parks, aquaculture ventures, and coastal tourism along Balochistan’s shoreline. Capacity-building through education and training also features prominently, with academic partnerships and exchange programs between Pakistan and China in logistics, fisheries, and port management.
Aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative’s green energy and ocean vision, the plan emphasizes environmentally sustainable maritime growth.
Minister Chaudhry highlighted that the 2025–2029 strategy reflects Pakistan’s determination to create a resilient maritime economy, reinforce Gwadar’s position as a global trade hub, and further strengthen strategic maritime ties with China through the CPEC framework.
