China–Gwadar–Africa Shipping Corridor Set to Launch Under Five-Year Maritime Plan

ISLAMABAD, September 18, 2025:

Pakistan and China have agreed to operationalise the China–Gwadar–Africa corridor through a five-year maritime action plan (2025–2029), featuring feeder routes, bonded warehouses, and Gwadar’s development as a model Green Port.

The plan includes expanded transshipment facilities to position Gwadar as a regional hub for CARs, Afghanistan, and West Asia, while linking it with the Islamabad–Türkiye–Iran corridors. Fifteen industries will be developed in the Free Zone’s northern section, including seafood, tuna, and petrochemical plants.

China is expected to relocate car manufacturing and other industries to Gwadar, supported by Single Point Mooring expansion and enhanced port connectivity.

The initiative also prioritises blue economy training for 1,000 locals and is projected to create 25,000 jobs with a 30% contribution to Gwadar’s GDP by 2027.

Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the plan will drive marine economy growth, sustainable resource use, and integration of smart port technologies under CPEC.

Key projects include Gwadar Port expansion, completion of Free Zone Stage II, East Bay Expressway Phase II, and integration of the New Gwadar International Airport.

Academic and industrial partnerships will support fisheries, aquaculture, shipbuilding, and maritime tourism ventures along Balochistan’s coast, aligning with Belt and Road’s green ocean and energy goals.