Islamabad: Pakistan is poised to grant Turkmenistan access to Gwadar Port through a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a strategic expansion under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

According to Zameen.Com, the upcoming MoU, orchestrated by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), will position Turkmenistan as the first Central Asian nation to secure a direct route to Gwadar via CPEC. This agreement aims to bolster regional and international trade by facilitating the efficient movement of goods and containers through the interconnected ports of both countries.

The agreement is part of a broader engagement that includes the TAPI pipeline, enhanced railway links, and fiber optic connections, all designed to deepen the connectivity between South and Central Asia. In anticipation of this MoU, the Pakistani government has instituted a committee to review the draft agreement linking Gwadar Port with Turkmenistan’s Turkmenbashi Port. Moreover, a cabinet committee has been established to mandate that 50% of public sector imports pass through Gwadar, underscoring its growing importance.

The expansion of Gwadar Port, supported by various high-level government initiatives and the backing of SIFC, is expected to create numerous jobs, spur economic growth, and attract substantial foreign investment. These developments are intended to transform Gwadar into a crucial hub for global trade, further enhancing the strategic significance of CPEC projects in boosting economic stability and strengthening trade relations across the region.