Despite being a multi-billion-dollar project with great potential, Gwadar Port has struggled to become a key player in global shipping. More than ten years have passed, but the port is yet to achieve its goal as a transshipment hub, falling far behind its regional competitors.
Recently, Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal pointed out critical issues during a high-level meeting. He criticized the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the National Logistics Cell for failing to market the port effectively and managing it unprofessionally. These shortcomings have left Gwadar unable to attract significant trade or shipping activity.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took steps to boost the port’s operations by ordering 60% of public sector cargo to be routed through Gwadar. He also directed the Planning Ministry to identify the root causes of the problem and suggest solutions to bring the port back on track.
Experts highlighted poor marketing efforts and a lack of a clear business strategy as the primary reasons for the port’s underperformance. To address this, the Planning Minister has called for hiring international consultants to conduct a cost-benefit analysis. These experts will help create competitive marketing strategies and suggest practical ways to make Gwadar an attractive and cost-effective option for global shipping.
The minister also emphasized the need for a volume-based revenue model that would lower costs and encourage more shipping companies to use Gwadar Port. By fixing these issues, authorities hope to transform Gwadar into a thriving hub for international trade.
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