Pakistan activates new Central Asia trade corridor via China as first shipment arrives
Celina Ali
Islamabad: Pakistan this week formally operationalized a new trade corridor linking Central Asian states to its southern seaports through China, marking a significant step toward positioning itself as a key regional transit hub amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The announcement came as Pakistan received its first shipment of goods from Kyrgyzstan under the newly established route, signaling the beginning of what officials describe as a faster, more secure, and reliable alternative for landlocked Central Asian economies seeking access to global markets.
According to a statement issued by the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), the new corridor enables countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to directly access Pakistan’s southern ports, particularly Karachi, without relying on traditional transit routes passing through Afghanistan.
The trade route runs through China, utilizing the strategically important Khunjerab Pass and the Sost dry port in Gilgit-Baltistan, before connecting to Pakistan’s national logistics network and seaports. Officials emphasized that the corridor offers improved efficiency and reduced transit risks compared to routes affected by regional instability.
The NLC stated that the inaugural shipment was transported by a partner logistics company under a formal transit trade agreement, demonstrating the operational readiness of the corridor and the effectiveness of coordinated regional logistics frameworks.
By providing an alternative pathway, Pakistan aims to enhance trade resilience and ensure uninterrupted connectivity for Central Asian states. Analysts view the initiative as part of Islamabad’s broader strategy to capitalize on its geographic location as a gateway to the Arabian Sea, while strengthening economic ties with Central Asia and integrating into emerging regional supply chains. The corridor also aligns with wider efforts to boost regional connectivity under various multilateral frameworks.
While the new route is expected to bring greater stability and predictability to transit trade, experts caution that its long-term success will depend on sustained regional cooperation, infrastructure development, and efficient border management systems.