Gwadar and CPEC Ports Drive Pakistan’s $100B Maritime Vision

Gwadar Port and CPEC-linked maritime assets to lead Pakistan’s economic transformation

Gwadar and CPEC Ports Drive Pakistan’s $100B Maritime Vision


Pakistan has announced a bold vision to become a US $100 billion blue economy powerhouse by 2047, with Gwadar Port and other CPEC-linked maritime assets playing a central role in the country’s growth strategy.

At the closing ceremony of the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC-2025), Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry described the maritime sector as Pakistan’s next major engine for trade, energy, food security, and climate resilience. He highlighted that by 2047, Pakistan aims to emerge as a globally recognized maritime power connecting South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa.

Chaudhry emphasized that the CPEC-driven maritime sector would support regional integration and sustainable economic growth. Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, reforms are underway to unlock the sector’s full potential.

The minister noted significant progress in fleet expansion, with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation growing from 10 to 12 ships in just five months, targeting 30 vessels by 2026 and 60 ships within three years.

Additionally, Pakistan has issued its first private ferry license and launched work on its first bridge ship repair and recycling yard at Port Qasim. This “sea-to-steel” maritime industrial complex is expected to bolster the revival of the country’s steel sector. A Rs 12 billion investment is also being directed toward reviving the Qadani Ship Repair and Recycling Yard to meet Hong Kong Convention environmental standards.

Looking ahead, the Maritime Century vision (2047–2147) includes the development of three new deep-sea ports – Port 4, Port 5, and Port 6 – alongside Gwadar, Karachi Port Trust, and Port Qasim. These green, smart, and regionally connected harbors will enhance Pakistan’s maritime connectivity.

Chaudhry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the US $100 billion goal, calling it “a declaration of national intent.” The four-day PIMEC-2025 concluded with 83 MoUs worth Rs 76 billion, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s maritime revival and strengthening its partnership with China through Gwadar and CPEC-linked coastal development.