Lahore: The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has underscored the increasing strategic and economic significance of Gwadar Port within the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The chamber emphasized that the recent uptick in cargo handling at the port marks Pakistan's evolving status as a pivotal trade and logistics hub in the region.
According to Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nazir Hussain, President of PCJCCI, noted that the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have prompted international shipping operators to explore alternative, more secure maritime routes. In this context, Gwadar Port has gained importance as a strategic gateway due to its advantageous position along the Arabian Sea and its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz.
Hussain further stated that the swift escalation of port operations at Gwadar highlights the enduring success of CPEC as a significant economic transformation initiative. He described Gwadar as a comprehensive trade and investment hub linking Pakistan to both regional and global markets, citing the strengthened economic foundations provided by CPEC through modern infrastructure, energy development, and enhanced regional connectivity.
Brig. Mansoor Saeed Sheikh (R), Senior Vice President of PCJCCI, attributed the rise in shipping activity at Gwadar to the infrastructure advancements achieved through CPEC over the past decade. He pointed out key projects such as the Gwadar Free Zone, Eastbay Expressway, modern highways, and the New Gwadar International Airport, inaugurated in January 2025 with Chinese collaboration. These developments have bolstered Pakistan's logistics and transportation capacity while enhancing investor confidence and attracting foreign direct investment.
Amir Ali, Vice President of PCJCCI, emphasized the port's capability to accommodate large cargo vessels with its deep-sea facilities, efficiently managing growing trade volumes. He highlighted that sectors like logistics, agriculture, fisheries, mining, manufacturing, and information technology stand to gain from Gwadar's expansion and improved regional connectivity. Ali stressed that maintaining policy consistency, investor-friendly reforms, and robust business-to-business collaboration will further boost trade and investment under CPEC.
Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General of PCJCCI, stated that Gwadar serves as a comprehensive economic corridor, linking the Arabian Sea with Western China and Central Asia through integrated road, rail, and energy networks established under CPEC. He remarked that recent shipments of machinery, fertilizer, and transshipment goods signal a long-term structural shift in regional trade dynamics, rather than a temporary surge in shipping activity.