ISLAMABAD
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, during a series of high-level meetings in Beijing underscored Pakistan’s commitment to expanding maritime cooperation with China through strategic investments in ports, shipbuilding, and the blue economy.
In a meeting with executives of Shandong Xinxu Group Corporation, the minister welcomed a proposal to establish an Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex in Pakistan, assuring full government support in terms of land, utilities, and regulatory approvals, says a report carried by Gwadar Pro.
He emphasized that any ship recycling facility developed under the project must comply with Hong Kong Convention (HKC) and European Union safety standards. Highlighting Pakistan National Shipping Corporation’s (PNSC) expansion drive, Chaudhry invited the Chinese side to explore joint ventures in new builds, leasing, and feeder services linked to Gwadar Port.
He also proposed collaboration in dry dock facilities at Gwadar and Port Qasim, along with investments in EU-certified fish processing and aquaculture research centers to boost seafood exports. In discussions with officials of the Tianjin Dongjiang Comprehensive Free Trade Zone (TDFTPZ), the minister explored ship financing and leasing opportunities, particularly for Aframax tankers, container vessels, and bulk carriers, without burdening Pakistan with heavy upfront costs.
He proposed a China–Gwadar–Africa logistics corridor, coupled with investments in bonded warehouses, cold chain facilities, and bulk cargo terminals in Gwadar. He further suggested specialized training programs for Pakistani free zone managers and customs officials, while inviting a Dongjiang investment delegation to Gwadar in 2025.
Meeting with FANJIEYUN International, a frozen food and meat importer, Chaudhry discussed the potential of Gwadar to emerge as a regional logistics hub, with bonded warehousing and feeder vessel services. He called for a feasibility study on turning Gwadar into a major freight hub for transshipment corridors.
The minister is visiting China as part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s delegation, with a clear focus on transforming Gwadar into a regional trade and logistics powerhouse under the evolving framework of CPEC. Meanwhile, Quetta is set to roll out its first public buses exclusively for women as part of a new fleet arriving from China, Gwadar Pro reported quoting the transport authority.
A total of 21 modern buses have been dispatched from a Chinese port, including five pink buses reserved for female passengers and 16 green buses for the general public, according to the Balochistan Transport Department. The vehicles are expected to reach the provincial capital later this month.
“The service will cover major routes from University to Sariab Mill and will be expanded to Kuchlak with the addition of new buses,” Transport Authority Secretary Khan Kakar informed the Balochistan High Court.The launch marks a significant step toward providing Quetta residents with affordable and reliable transportation.
The pink buses are intended to make commuting safer and easier for women, who face limited and often unsafe travel options.As part of the provincial plan, in near future, four buses each will also be purchased for Gwadar and Turbat, while Pishin, Khuzdar and Sui will each receive two buses.
Chinese-made buses are already operating in Punjab, Karachi, Peshawar and Islamabad, helping modernize Pakistan’s urban transport system and improve daily commuting for thousands of passengers.
