Ayesha Saba

By expanding export-oriented industries, addressing infrastructure challenges, and offering strategic incentives, Gwadar can transform into a major economic hub that significantly contributes to Pakistan’s trade and industrial landscape.

Talking with WealthPK, Waqar Ahmed, a trade policy expert at the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), highlighted that Gwadar’s success depends on developing industries that cater specifically to the export markets. “If we focus on high-value industries such as textiles, fisheries, and mineral processing, we can position Gwadar as a major export hub.

The government needs to introduce investor-friendly policies, including tax holidays, streamlined regulatory procedures, and access to affordable utilities, to ensure long-term industrial growth,” he said.

“To become an international trading hub, Pakistan will need to make significant investments in infrastructure to support the growth of the port and its related industries. This will include investments in transportation, communications, energy infrastructure, as well as human capital development.

The country will also need to address the logistical challenges to ensure that the port is accessible and secure for foreign investors and traders,” he said. Waqar suggested that linking Gwadar’s industrial base with the special economic zones (SEZs) in other parts of the country could create supply chain synergies, improving efficiency and reducing the production costs.

While the Gwadar Port has seen significant improvements, industrialists still face challenges such as inadequate road connectivity, electricity shortages, and limited access to the skilled labor. He warned that unless these bottlenecks were addressed, potential investors would hesitate to undertake large-scale operations.

He emphasized the need to launch renewable energy projects in the region to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the industries. He stressed the role of regional trade agreements in maximizing Gwadar’s export potential. By leveraging the preferential trade agreements with China, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Pakistan can create new market opportunities for the industries operating in Gwadar.

Proactive trade diplomacy, combined with efficient customs procedures at the port, can significantly boost export volumes, making Gwadar a key player in the global supply chains. “Industrial expansion cannot happen in isolation. It must be backed by modern infrastructure, efficient logistics, and a skilled workforce,” he noted.

He suggested that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should be encouraged to partner with the export-oriented industries through government support programs. “A successful free zone is not just about attracting multinational corporations; it must also empower local businesses to become suppliers and exporters,” he argued.

Credit: INP-WealthPk