Gwadar Port Buzzing with 200,000 Metric Tons of Wheat Delivered in Just 25 Days

Despite numerous challenges, Gwadar Port is currently bustling with the rapid processing of 200,000 metric tons of wheat imported from Russia in just the past 25 days, according to an official from the China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC).

The official went on to mention that an additional 250,000 metric tons of wheat are set to be handled at Gwadar Port. In an interview with Gwadar Pro, the official informed us that out of the nine vessels scheduled to deliver wheat to Gwadar Port, four vessels, including MV Lila Chennai, MV Rich, MV Veruda, and MV Dorado, have already arrived.

Since the first ship anchored on March 2, Gwadar Port has maintained a flawless record with zero handling loss for wheat discharge and dispatch. All loading, unloading, and transportation operations have been executed with utmost precision.

The introduction of the Eastbay Expressway, exclusively connecting Gwadar Port with the Makran Coastal Highway and bypassing city roads, has revolutionized wheat transportation. Haji Razzaq, a transporter, commented, "Previously, trucks had to navigate congested city roads in Gwadar, which not only strained local infrastructure but also impeded the flow of traffic. Gwadar Port's connection to the Eastbay Expressway has greatly improved the situation."

Several entities, including China Overseas Ports Holding Company, Trading Corporation of Pakistan, Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation Limited, Pakistan Customs, National Logistics Cell, Gwadar Free Zone, and GITL, are working in unison to ensure seamless operations. An official from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research revealed that NLC is transporting wheat through the shortest and most feasible route to PASSCO storage centers to fulfill the G2G arrangements for the allocated million metric tons of wheat from Gwadar Port.

PASSCO maintains storage facilities across 13 Zones and 16 Districts in the country, comprising 29 silos and 335 godowns with a covered storage capacity of 572,482 MTs. Any remaining stock is stored in open Gunjees using scientifically sound procedures.

In a significant development, the ECC, during its meeting on July 28, 2022, permitted the import of wheat through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and instructed MNFS&R to submit a logistic plan for PASSCO's wheat transportation for ECC's consideration.

The import of Russian wheat through Gwadar Port is taking place under an official agreement between TCP and Gwadar International Terminal Limited (GITL). An official from GITL expressed optimism, stating that with the successful handling of 200,000 MTs of wheat, the processing of the remaining 250,000 MTs will proceed seamlessly. This wheat import milestone is expected to stimulate trade activities in Gwadar.