Strategic Agreement Boosts Gwadar's Role in Regional Trade
Turkmenistan is poised to become the inaugural Central Asian country to leverage Pakistan’s Gwadar Port as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Currently, a draft agreement between the Port of Gwadar and the Port of Turkmenbashi is under cabinet review, signaling a significant step towards enhancing regional trade. This strategic partnership aims to create robust connections between South and Central Asia through improved rail, fiber, and transit routes, as reported by Gwadar Pro on Wednesday.
P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor
The implications of this deal are profound, with experts anticipating a reshaping of trade dynamics in the region. It is expected to elevate regional trade prospects and instill confidence in the port’s potential. Notably, Khalid Taimur Akram, a regional expert, highlighted that this initiative would provide critical access for vast regions, including Central Eurasia, Afghanistan, Southern Russia, and Southwest China, all converging at Gwadar.
This agreement underscores the commitment of both Turkmenistan and Pakistan to reinforce trade ties and facilitate broader regional integration, ultimately benefiting other landlocked Central Asian nations and bolstering Pakistan’s economic standing.