Government Plans Bulk Imports Through Gwadar Port
The government is thinking over a plan to divert 60% of the public sector imports, which include wheat, fertilizer, and sugar, through Gwadar Port. This proposal was discussed in the meeting of the federal cabinet committee, which was presided over by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal on Tuesday.
Maritime Affairs Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh attended the meeting along with other high-ranking officials from various ministries, such as commerce, maritime affairs, interior, and planning. The committee wants to find ways to increase the use of Gwadar Port as a key trade hub.
The committee reviewed existing plans and discussed strategies to improve Gwadar’s role in Pakistan’s trade network. It was agreed that the committee would meet monthly and report progress to the cabinet every three months.
One of the key proposals discussed was using Gwadar Port for bulk imports like wheat, sugar, and urea. Jam Kamal suggested a two-part approach:
Developing a comprehensive strategy to integrate Gwadar into the national trade system.
Focusing on direct opportunities, such as availing the TCP for import into the public sector
The committee also studied possibilities. of containerized imports/exports through Gwadar. There was emphasis upon attraction. of private sector cargo to the port through incentives. There was a proposal made before the committee to form a specific working group to seek active, involvement of the private sector in the development of Gwadar.
The committee evaluated the port of Gwadar to ascertain its potential in transshipment and as a transit for Afghanistan and the Central Asian nations. China is already eyeing its use through OBOR and, consequently, further strengthened the role of the port in international trade.
Therefore, if it continues to be emphasized and planned on, then Gwadar Port can really. be considered an important point in the activities of Pakistan’s import and export operations.
