Views: 8 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-12-05 Origin: Site
In December 2024, the New Gwadar International Airport was officially inaugurated by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Constructed at a cost of approximately $240 million (Rs. 55 billion), this state-of-the-art airport stands as a significant milestone in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and a testament to the enduring strategic partnership between the two nations.
Located 26 kilometers northeast of Gwadar city, the airport is designed to be a regional hub for trade, connectivity, and tourism. It boasts world-class facilities and is expected to transform Gwadar’s economic landscape by supporting increased port activity, attracting international investments, and facilitating regional trade. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described it as a "gift from China," underscoring its importance in strengthening Pakistan’s infrastructure and economic potential.
The inauguration ceremony highlighted the robust partnership between Pakistan and China. Premier Li Qiang lauded the joint efforts of Chinese and Pakistani engineers in completing the project, emphasizing its role in advancing shared goals under the Belt and Road Initiative. During his remarks, he reiterated China’s commitment to working with Pakistan to achieve sustainable and high-quality development.
In conjunction with the airport’s inauguration, both countries signed 13 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across diverse sectors such as agriculture, education, technology, and security. Key agreements included enhancing information and communication technologies, supporting water conservation, and promoting human resource development. These MoUs are expected to translate into long-term agreements that further strengthen the CPEC initiative’s second phase.
The airport not only symbolizes Pakistan-China cooperation but also plays a strategic role in fostering regional connectivity. By linking Gwadar to major cities and international destinations, it supports economic diversification and development. Additionally, it serves as a critical component of CPEC’s vision to transform Pakistan into a regional trade and logistics hub.
The inauguration of the New Gwadar International Airport marks a significant step forward in the enduring partnership between Pakistan and China. Beyond its economic and strategic benefits, the project reflects the shared vision of the two nations to promote regional development, connectivity, and prosperity. As the airport begins operations, it is poised to unlock new opportunities for Gwadar and contribute to Pakistan’s broader economic growth.
