ISLAMABAD: In a significant move to boost regional connectivity and trade, Pakistan is on the verge of finalizing a deal that would grant Kazakhstan access to the strategic Gwadar Port. The agreement is expected to be signed during the visit of Kazakhstan’s president in November, paving the way for a new era of maritime cooperation between the two nations.
A Delegation Arrives to Seal the Deal
According to sources, a high-level delegation from Kazakhstan is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad in the second week of September to iron out the final details of the agreement. While Kazakhstan initially expressed interest in establishing a goods terminal at Karachi Port for exports to the European Union and the United States, Pakistan is keen on having them set up a terminal at Gwadar Port. The upcoming discussions will also focus on forging crucial road and rail linkages to connect the Central Asian nation to Pakistan’s port infrastructure. Pakistan is also seeking to form a consortium with Central Asian states to collectively develop the maritime sector.
This push for deeper cooperation was evident in a recent meeting between Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. Both sides showed a strong interest in expanding ties, with the minister suggesting joint ventures at both Karachi and Gwadar ports and highlighting the potential for partnerships within the Gwadar Free Zone.
Gwadar: A Gateway for Central Asia
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan welcomed these proposals, stating that his country is eager to use Pakistani ports as transit hubs not just for Astana, but for the entire Central Asian region. He confirmed that a ministerial-level delegation, led by Kazakhstan’s communication minister, is expected to visit Pakistan soon for in-depth discussions on maritime trade and logistics.
The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs highlighted the critical role of Pakistani ports as a gateway for landlocked Central Asian nations, providing them with access to markets in the Persian Gulf, Africa, and Southeast Asia. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to becoming a regional trade hub through innovative approaches and strengthened international partnerships. The upcoming visit of the Kazakh delegation is seen as a crucial step that is expected to accelerate progress on joint ventures and trade facilitation, solidifying ties through cooperation in maritime infrastructure, logistics, and
