ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has reaffirmed his commitment to turning Gwadar into a modern maritime and logistics centre aligned with national goals and regional development.

According to an official statement released on Wednesday, the minister shared this vision during a meeting with Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noorul Haque. The chairman briefed him on the port’s performance, ongoing projects, and future business plans during the minister’s official visit to Gwadar.

The minister stressed the need for steps that reflect ground realities and promote inclusivity, prosperity, and national pride through enhanced port performance.

He pointed out the economic potential of Balochistan’s coastal and agricultural belt, particularly in fishing and date production in Gwadar, Panjgur, and Kech.

The Makran coast contributes 40% of Pakistan’s total fish catch, while Kech and Panjgur produce over half of the country’s premium dates. However, 30–40% of these crops are lost post-harvest due to a lack of value-addition infrastructure, limiting export potential.

The minister urged both public and private sectors to invest in fish and date processing units, including cleaning, freezing, grading, drying, and packaging facilities. He also called for the development of cold storage and logistics systems to support sustainable export operations.

The meeting also reviewed plans to build an Off-Dock Terminal near the New Gwadar International Airport. A 100-acre site has been earmarked for the terminal, which will handle containers and cargo.

The project, with a projected cost of Rs497 million and a one-year completion target, aims to reduce demurrage costs, increase trade confidence, and boost revenues through Gwadar Port.

The terminal will provide logistical benefits to landlocked Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan by lowering transit costs, the statement added.

The minister also toured the China Business Center, where he was briefed on the port, Free Zone, and Gwadar International Terminal. He instructed relevant authorities to accelerate efforts and ensure timely progress.