Islamabad, A pivotal meeting was held today under the leadership of Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, focusing on enhancing the operational capabilities of Gwadar Port as part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to boost economic growth and streamline trade processes.
According to Press Information Department, the gathering, which is the second in a series directed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, convened stakeholders from various sectors including the Ministry of Maritime, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Finance, and representatives from the Quetta and Lahore Chambers of Commerce. The discussions aimed at optimizing Gwadar Port’s infrastructure and customs procedures to increase its efficiency as a major trade hub. Plans include upgrading port facilities, expanding storage capacities, and modernizing equipment to handle higher volumes of imports and exports.
The meeting also addressed the need for efficient customs processing with proposals for integrating advanced digital tracking systems and streamlining bureaucratic procedures. Furthermore, recognizing the fisheries sector’s growth, the potential for granting it industrial status was discussed, which could significantly enhance its contribution to the economy through various incentives.
Proposals to rationalize taxes and develop a comprehensive deep-sea policy were deliberated to make Gwadar Port more competitive and attractive for international shipping and businesses. These developments are expected to reduce transportation costs and transit times to Central Asia and the Middle East, thereby contributing to regional and national economic enhancement.
Federal Minister Sheikh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging Gwadar Port for the country’s economic advancement and stated that further stakeholder meetings are planned to finalize budget proposals for the maritime sector. These initiatives are part of the Ministry’s vision to foster a resilient maritime sector that supports economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.