Islamabad (GNP): Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has invited Chinese investors to expand their presence in Pakistan’s ports, logistics, and maritime sectors, saying the government is focused on transforming the country into a regional hub for transit trade, logistics, and industry.
Speaking at the Regional Transit Trade Hub Initiative event in Beijing, organized by Jiang Tonland International Holdings, Chaudhry described Pakistan-China relations as an “All-Weather Strategic Partnership” now entering a new phase centered on connectivity, trade facilitation, logistics, and sustainable economic growth.
He noted that global trade is being reshaped by digitalization, smart logistics, resilient supply chains, green shipping, and multimodal transport systems — trends he said make stronger regional partnerships and innovation increasingly important.
Pakistan’s Strategic Position
Chaudhry emphasized Pakistan’s geographic location as a natural gateway for regional and international trade, noting that key maritime institutions — including the Karachi Port Trust, Port Qasim Authority, Gwadar Port Authority, and the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation — are undergoing reforms aimed at developing Pakistan into a modern maritime and logistics hub serving regional markets.
He said the Regional Transit Trade Hub initiative aligns well with Pakistan’s economic priorities, offering opportunities for collaboration in port modernization, multimodal transport corridors, logistics parks, industrial infrastructure, maritime services, and digital trade facilitation.
Gwadar Port Investment Opportunities
Describing Gwadar Port as a flagship project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the minister highlighted investment opportunities in port operations, logistics, warehousing, free zone development, and maritime industries. He invited Chinese businesses to explore these opportunities, assuring them that Pakistan would continue to maintain a transparent, investment-friendly environment supportive of long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
Chaudhry also thanked Jiang Tonland International Holdings for organizing the event and bringing together government officials and business leaders to advance regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
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He closed by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with China, calling for continued collaboration to build a more connected and prosperous future through expanded trade and investment.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
