KARACHI: Mian Zahid Hussain, a prominent figure in Pakistan's business community, has praised the establishment of the Pakistan Land Port Authority (PLPA) as a pivotal development for enhancing the country's economic integration and regional connectivity. Addressing top exporters and industrial leaders, Hussain emphasized the PLPA's role in centralizing coordination among various agencies to optimize Pakistan's geographic advantage for regional trade.

According to Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, the PLPA, led by Lt Gen (Retd) Hassan Azhar Hayat, aims to streamline cross-border movement of goods and people by coordinating customs, immigration, and security operations. With support from the Asian Development Bank, the authority is modernizing border infrastructure to facilitate trade with China, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, thus reducing logistical costs and formalizing economic activities.

Hussain highlighted the potential for increased trade volumes through the land corridor with China, underlining the importance of modernizing border points in line with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor framework. He cited World Bank data, suggesting that formalizing regional trade could significantly enhance Pakistan's export capacity, benefiting key industries by providing access to cheaper raw materials and reducing reliance on sea routes.

He concluded by urging government support for further development of logistics infrastructure at strategic border points, stressing that effective regional connectivity is crucial for Pakistan's economic survival. The PLPA's efforts to transform border crossings into efficient trade hubs are expected to bolster investor confidence and drive export-led growth, contributing to economic stability and prosperity for border communities.