The completion of the New Gwadar International Airport marks a significant milestone in the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). During a ceremony attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the airport was celebrated as a vital component of CPEC aimed at transforming Gwadar into a key regional hub. Premier Li highlighted China's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Pakistan, stating that the project symbolizes the deepening friendship between the two nations.
Equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure, the airport features advanced technology that will boost local socio-economic development and integrate Gwadar into global supply chains. Project manager Faiz Ullah Khattak remarked on the airport's potential to enhance connectivity, which is further supported by the adjacent Gwadar Port—once an underdeveloped area, now a bustling trade center thanks to substantial Chinese investments.
Experts assert that the airport's completion is just the beginning. As CPEC moves into its second decade, the focus will shift toward maximizing economic benefits, fostering regional connectivity, and exploring collaborations with third-party countries. With trade connectivity at the forefront, this next phase of industrial cooperation promises to create new opportunities for regional integration and economic growth.