QCCI says regional developments have raised Gwadar Port’s global importance

QUETTA: Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) President Haji Muhammad Ayub Miryani has said Gwadar Port’s international importance has increased significantly in light of recent developments in the region.

Speaking through a video link at a meeting of businessmen in Islamabad on Saturday, Mr Miryani said immediate and effective steps were needed to make use of the broad trade opportunities available in Balochistan and the wider region. The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal.

According to a QCCI statement, Mr Miryani urged the launch of a ferry service from Gwadar, saying such a move would support both domestic commerce and international trade. He also suggested that the daily operating hours of the N-250 Ramdan-Gwadar business corridor and market be increased from 18 hours to 24 hours so that commercial activity could continue without interruption.

Trade proposals linked to Gwadar

The QCCI chief said countries in the Persian Gulf, Central Asian states and other regional nations were interested in conducting trade through Gwadar Port. He added that several companies were already in contact with the chamber in this connection.

Mr Miryani also called for Gwadar to be granted TIR membership to help make international trade transport easier. In addition, he proposed allowing Afghan transit trade and providing transshipment facilities for Iranian investors, saying these measures would further strengthen economic activity in the region.

The remarks were made as the chamber pressed for steps aimed at taking advantage of what it described as an emerging opportunity for trade and connectivity centered on Gwadar and Balochistan.

In his address, Mr Miryani linked the port’s growing relevance to changing regional conditions and stressed that policy action should follow quickly to convert that potential into practical trade gains. His proposals focused on transport access, longer business hours, international trade facilitation and opening additional channels for regional commerce through Gwadar.

The QCCI statement said the chamber viewed these measures as important for expanding trade activity not only within Balochistan but also with neighboring and regional markets. The proposals presented at the Islamabad meeting included operational, logistical and regulatory steps that, according to the chamber, could improve the port’s role in regional trade.