Pakistan Moving Towards Becoming a Regional Trade Hub

Islamabad — Pakistan is taking urgent and practical measures to become a major centre of regional trade by connecting the Central Asian republics with the deep-sea ports of Gwadar and Karachi. The activation of these new trade corridors is providing landlocked Central Asian countries with direct, secure, and reliable access to global markets.

According to a report by Azerbaijan’s prominent media group The Caspian Post, Uzbekistan has formally begun using new trade corridors to transport its products to Pakistan while bypassing traditional routes through Afghanistan.

Uzbekistan Begins Transporting Agricultural and Industrial Cargo Through the Gabd-Rimdan Border

In view of the changing geo-economic environment, Tashkent has made the Gabd-Rimdan crossing on the Pakistan-Iran border a key centre of its trade activities, producing significant long-term economic benefits.

Transportation of Industrial Raw Materials: Uzbekistan has already started transporting agricultural machinery and industrial raw materials successfully through the new route.

Alternative Trade Corridors: The corridors launched in April 2026 have provided Central Asia with a secure and stable alternative route to international markets through Pakistani ports.

More Than 14,000 Metric Tonnes of Cargo Transported: The growing demand for the new logistics network is evident from the fact that over 14,000 metric tonnes of cargo have already been transported successfully through this route.

Alternative Trade Network Established to Address Security Concerns

This important development followed the closure of the Torkham and Chaman border crossings in October 2025 due to security concerns. Pakistan responded by transforming the challenge into an economic opportunity and rapidly introducing alternative trade routes.

“The new transport network could generate up to $3 billion annually for Pakistan through transit and logistics services provided to Central Asian states.” — Economic Experts

Single-Window Customs System and CPEC Phase Two

Strengthened Role of Gwadar Port: The arrival of Central Asian cargo will further enhance the strategic importance and operational role of Gwadar Port under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Development of Modern Customs Systems: Experts believe the new route will accelerate the expansion of the TIR system and the Single Window customs platform across Pakistan.

Strengthening Regional Connectivity: These initiatives will benefit Pakistan’s imports and exports while helping the country emerge as one of the region’s most important commercial gateways.