Over a decade has passed since the multi-billion-dollar Gwadar Port was developed, yet it has yet to fully realize its potential as a transshipment hub. Despite the significant investment, the port has struggled to attract the trade and shipping activity necessary to make it a key player in the global shipping industry.
Government Criticism & Challenges
Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal recently criticized both the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the National Logistics Cell for their poor marketing and unprofessional management of Gwadar Port. During a recent meeting, it was revealed that Gwadar has failed to keep up with its regional competitors due to a lack of cohesive business strategy and ineffective promotional efforts.
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The failure to attract business and the underutilization of the port were identified as significant issues.
Prime Minister’s Directives
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed that 60 percent of public sector cargoes be routed through Gwadar in an attempt to activate port operations. He also tasked the Planning Ministry with identifying the shortcomings and proposing corrective actions to address these concerns.
Strategies for Improvement
In response to the challenges faced by Gwadar, Minister Ahsan Iqbal has suggested bringing in an international consultant to conduct a comparative cost-benefit analysis. The goal is to develop more effective marketing strategies that can make the port more competitive in the global shipping market.
Iqbal emphasized the importance of volume-based revenue models as a way to make Gwadar a more cost-effective alternative for international shipping, helping the port to attract more business activity and improve its overall utilization.
This comes as part of the government’s continued efforts to activate Gwadar’s potential and ensure that the port serves its intended purpose in the region.
