Karachi: The Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) and China’s Xinning Enterprise have signed a letter of intent to accelerate the development of the Gwadar Free Zone, with a focus on attracting industrial and commercial investment to the port city. The agreement marks another step toward positioning Gwadar as a regional trade and transshipment hub.
The agreement was signed by Yi Jiang, a representative of Xinning Enterprise, while Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs Umer Zaffar Shaikh received the letter on behalf of the GPA. Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noorul Haq Baloch also attended the ceremony via video link.
Under the agreement, both sides aim to promote new industrial ventures, expand commercial operations, and optimize existing facilities within the Gwadar Free Zone. The partnership also includes plans to relocate industries to the port city, further boosting its economic footprint.
A Chinese business delegation led by Yi Jiang, who also serves as a director at the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, held meetings with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. The discussions focused on enhancing port performance, increasing cargo throughput, and fostering a business-friendly environment.
Minister Chaudhry welcomed the collaboration, stating that Xinning Enterprise’s involvement could significantly enhance Gwadar’s operational capacity and attract additional foreign investment. He emphasized that all developments will be aligned with Pakistan’s legal and regulatory framework governing port activities.
Highlighting the government’s long-term vision, the minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to transforming Gwadar into a global maritime gateway. He noted that strategic partnerships with international companies like Xinning are crucial for realizing the country’s broader economic and maritime goals.
The agreement signals growing Chinese interest in Gwadar and reinforces the port’s importance in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as well as its potential role in regional connectivity and trade.
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