Pakistan opens trade route via Iran

Pakistan has opened a new land corridor for trade with Central Asia - and has already sent the first shipment on its way. Customs officials told The Express Tribune newspaper on April 13 that the first export shipment had been sent from Karachi to Tashkent. The new route passes through Iranian territory and connects Pakistani ports on the Arabian Sea directly with markets in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and, in the future, other countries in the region. This creates a shorter and more road-based alternative to previous, often complex transportation chains. New route to save time and costs According to the authorities, the main aim of the corridor is to shorten transportation times and reduce costs for exporters. Previously, many deliveries had to be handled laboriously via sea routes and several transit stations. The first shipment consisted of frozen meat, which was transported from Karachi to the Uzbek capital in refrigerated vehicles. In future, goods are to be increasingly dispatched via the port of Gwadar and then forwarded via Iran. Sanaullah Abro, Director of the Transit Customs Department, confirmed that operations have already started. Further deliveries are being planned and will be gradually expanded. Strategic opening towards Central Asia Islamabad is pursuing a clear strategic goal with the new corridor: better access to the domestic markets of Central Asia. At the same time, Pakistan wants to strengthen its role as a regional logistics player and increase the capacity utilization of its ports. At an official launch ceremony in Karachi, representatives of the authorities and logistics companies described the project as an important step towards regional integration. The direct overland route via Iran could bypass existing bottlenecks in congested ports and speed up the cross-border movement of goods. The new transport system relies on truck traffic through Iran. This will shorten processing times and simplify customs processes. For many exporters, the corridor could therefore represent a practicable and economically attractive alternative. Pakistan sees the new route not only as a logistical improvement, but also as a geopolitical signal: the country is positioning itself more strongly as a bridge between South Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia - with growing importance for regional trade flows. The post Pakistan opens trade route via Iran appeared first on ostwirtschaft.de.