Pakistan identifies six new trade corridors
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Pakistan has identified six potential trade corridors connecting Central Asia, Europe and Russia through China, Afghanistan and Iran. These include road networks from Karachi to Moscow via China and Kazakhstan, from Gwadar to Moscow via Afghanistan and through Turkmenistan and Iran to Azerbaijan and Russia.
Speaking at the closing session of the Kazan Forum, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan stated that Pakistan did not merely aspire to serve as a transit point between South Asia and Central Asia but rather aimed to function as an economic bridge, said a press release issued on Saturday.
He emphasised that Pakistan had been actively engaged in regional cooperation through various agreements signed in recent years and via proactive participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
He highlighted that the Mazar-e-Sharif to Kohat railway project was expected to cost approximately $633 million. Meanwhile, the Gwadar Port has begun shipment and cargo services as Pakistan intends to facilitate Central Asia's access to warm waters.
The federal minister reiterated Pakistan's deep interest in enhancing North-South connectivity in the communications sector, adding that the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) was a focal project for good investment.
He said that since 2023, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) had been providing cargo services to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Moreover, in August last year, Pakistan introduced a visa-on-arrival facility for citizens of 126 countries to promote trade and investment.
Abdul Aleem elaborated on Pakistan's strategic plans to connect Karachi, Quetta and Gwadar with Central Asia and Europe through road networks. Also, work is continuing on a pilot project to build a railway line to Russia via Iran.
He welcomed the organisation of the Kazan Forum and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to playing an active role in regional development. He particularly expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for hosting the forum.
On the sidelines of the event, the federal minister held a bilateral meeting and a joint session with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, accompanied by their respective delegations. Discussions centred on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors with particular emphasis on investment in the communications sector.
The minister expressed Pakistan's strong interest in developing a broad-based partnership with Russia. The Russian deputy PM underscored Moscow's desire for comprehensive regional development and mutual collaboration.
He welcomed Pakistan's participation in the Kazan Forum and expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation with Islamabad in economic, cultural and other fields.
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