Less than 600 kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz, a quiet coastline lies on the edge of one of the world's most important energy corridors. Most people can't even find it on a map, yet this remote town in southwestern Pakistan is now closely linked to one of the most ambitious infrastructure strategies on Earth. This place is Gwadar. For decades, it has barely survived on fishing and minimal public investment. Today, its name frequently appears in discussions about global trade, maritime strategy, and the rise of new economic centers.
A Coastline That Became a Strategic Asset
The value of Gwadar lies in an enduring truth: geography determines destiny. The city is located on a natural deep-water bay of the Arabian Sea. The seabed drops sharply near the shore, creating ideal conditions for large cargo ships. Karachi Port and Karsaz Port serve Pakistan's industrial belt, but both face limitations in water depth and congestion. Gwadar fundamentally solves these problems.
Its strategic importance goes far beyond that. Nearly one-third of the world's seaborne oil passes through this coast. Any port in this region could affect the flow of energy, goods, and investments between the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. This advantage was overlooked long before Gwadar Port appeared in geopolitical news headlines. Until 1958, Gwadar Port belonged to the Sultanate of Oman. Pakistan bought it for about $3 million, but did little development. The area lacked paved roads, stable electricity supply, and integration into the national economy. For most families, life revolved around fishing and coping with unpredictable seasons.
The long period of obscurity contrasts sharply with the vision that emerged decades later.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Gets a New Start
In 2015, the announcement of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor marked a turning point. Initially, the investment in the corridor was $4.6 billion, which has now exceeded $6 billion. It is the flagship corridor of China's "Belt and Road" initiative, and Gwadar Port is at its southern entrance.
China's strategy is clear. Gwadar Port provides an advantage that China cannot achieve domestically: direct access to warm waters and the Arabian Sea. Through this channel, China can shorten the trade transport distance of western provinces by thousands of kilometers. For Beijing, the biggest advantage lies in energy security. Gwadar Port is connected to Xinjiang by road and future rail, which will ease the pressure of the narrow Strait of Malacca – a region vulnerable to blockage during geopolitical tensions.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has effectively revitalized Gwadar Port. Roads, utilities, and special economic zones have begun to receive the investment that they have lacked for decades. The port is no longer just a local project but a node in the competition for global influence and connectivity.
The Ambition to Build the Next Dubai of Pakistan
Pakistani planners often compare the future of Gwadar Port to the rise of Dubai. Dubai's success was driven by the massive throughput capacity of Jebel Ali Port, well-developed logistics infrastructure, and an economic model that attracts global companies through investor-friendly incentives.
Gwadar Port's ambitions follow a similar logic. The port currently accommodates vessels up to 70,000 tons, a throughput capacity far exceeding many South Asian ports. Future expansion plans include deepening the draft, expanding the docks, and building facilities for liquid cargo transportation. The Gwadar Free Zone is at the heart of this vision. Investors can enjoy tax-free treatment and duty-free access for as long as 23 years, a model aimed at attracting manufacturers, logistics operators, food processing companies, and maritime service firms.
Urban planners predict that the population of Gwadar Port may grow from less than 150,000 to over 500,000 within the next decade. Residential areas, hospitals, and commercial zones are part of the long-term plan. If the plan succeeds, Gwadar Port could reshape Pakistan's economic landscape, shifting investment and job opportunities to the more coastal regions of Balochistan.
What Measures Are Finally Starting to Work?
The most significant change since 2015 has been the improvement in physical connectivity. Once isolated, the port is now connected to Pakistan's highway network via the East Bay Expressway. This road eliminates major logistical barriers and opens up a stable channel for freight transportation.
The Gwadar International Airport, funded by $240 million in Chinese aid, has completed core infrastructure construction. Once fully operational, the airport will be able to accommodate large aircraft and support business travel, freight, and tourism. Long-standing issues of chronic water shortages in Gwadar City have been alleviated with the completion of a desalination plant that produces over 2,000 tons of potable water daily.
Electricity supply remains inadequate, but new energy projects, including a 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant and solar expansion projects, mark the beginning of long-term solutions.
In terms of trade, Gwadar Port has started handling commercial cargo. Goods destined for Afghanistan are now transported via Gwadar Port, and exports from Pakistan to Kabul are steadily increasing. Imports of liquefied petroleum gas from Gulf countries also use this port, proving that Gwadar Port can play a regional hub role even in its early stages of development.
Regional Competition Shaping Gwadar's Future
No major port exists in a political vacuum. Gwadar Port is part of a broader Chinese strategy in the Indian Ocean region. Analysts usually refer to this network of ports, logistics hubs, and security partnerships as the "String of Pearls," highlighting China's growing influence in the region.
India is deeply concerned about this shift. As a countermeasure, New Delhi has invested heavily in the Chabahar Port in Iran, located just 170 kilometers west of Gwadar Port. Chabahar Port provides India and Afghanistan with a direct trade route that bypasses Pakistani territory entirely. If Gwadar Port rises, it will enhance the strength of China and Pakistan; if Chabahar Port rises, it will enhance the strength of India and Iran.
Competition is not only about economics, but also affects alliances, military planning, and the operation of global supply chains.
The Future of Gwadar
The future of Gwadar Port depends on decisions made in Islamabad, Beijing, the local community, and capitals across the region. The best scenario is that Gwadar Port can create a safe and stable environment, unlocking the potential for private investment, connecting Central Asian countries with the sea, promoting industrial activities, and improving the living standards of local residents. In this development path, Gwadar Port could contribute billions of dollars to Pakistan's GDP and help stabilize the country's southwest region.
Gwadar Port has the power to reshape trade routes and change the regional landscape, carrying the hopes of people for decades. Its engineering design is impressive, and the scale of investment is huge, but ultimately, its success or failure depends on a factor that money cannot replace: trust between the port and the people it serves.
Source: Incredible Construction
Original: toutiao.com/article/7590584541585162771/
Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author alone.