ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, during a series of high-level meetings in Beijing on Thursday afternoon, underscored Pakistan’s commitment to expanding maritime cooperation with China through strategic investments in ports, shipbuilding, and the blue economy.
In a meeting with executives of Shandong Xinxu Group Corporation, the minister welcomed a proposal to establish an Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex in Pakistan, assuring full government support in terms of land, utilities, and regulatory approvals. He emphasized that any ship recycling facility developed under the project must comply with Hong Kong Convention (HKC) and European Union safety standards.
Highlighting Pakistan National Shipping Corporation’s (PNSC) expansion drive, Chaudhry invited the Chinese side to explore joint ventures in new builds, leasing, and feeder services linked to Gwadar Port. He also proposed collaboration in dry dock facilities at Gwadar and Port Qasim, along with investments in EU-certified fish processing and aquaculture research centers to boost seafood exports.
In discussions with officials of the Tianjin Dongjiang Comprehensive Free Trade Zone (TDFTPZ), the minister explored ship financing and leasing opportunities, particularly for Aframax tankers, container vessels, and bulk carriers, without burdening Pakistan with heavy upfront costs. He proposed a China–Gwadar–Africa logistics corridor, coupled with investments in bonded warehouses, cold chain facilities, and bulk cargo terminals in Gwadar. He further suggested specialized training programs for Pakistani free zone managers and customs officials, while inviting a Dongjiang investment delegation to Gwadar in 2025. Meeting with FANJIEYUN International, a frozen food and meat importer, Chaudhry discussed the potential of Gwadar to emerge as a regional logistics hub, with bonded warehousing and feeder vessel services. He called for a feasibility study on turning Gwadar into a major freight hub for transshipment corridors. The minister is visiting China as part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s delegation, with a clear focus on transforming Gwadar into a regional trade and logistics powerhouse under the evolving framework of CPEC. –Agencies
