Pakistan becomes gateway for China-UAE trade under TIR system

Marking a significant milestone, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) has formally commenced the transportation of commercial products from China to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) via Pakistan's land-sea route under the international road transport (TIR) system.

This breakthrough represents a turning point in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative, providing a shorter and more efficient route for transporting goods from China to the Gulf countries, Radio Pakistan reported.

As part of the initiative, a truck carrying electronic equipment departed from Kashgar, Xinjiang, bound for Jebel Ali Port in Dubai via Pakistan. The journey began at the NLC Dry Port in Sost, Gilgit–Baltistan, where a ceremony was held to commemorate the historic occasion.

The goods will be transported from Kashgar to Karachi by NLC trucks in just eight days. From Karachi, the container will be shipped to Jebel Ali Port by sea, taking an additional two days. Thus, the entire journey from Xinjiang, China, to the UAE will take a mere 10 days, significantly faster than the approximately one-month duration via sea alone.

This new China-to-UAE trade route through Pakistan offers substantial benefits for the business community.

“It’s very convenient to transport goods from Kashgar, Xinjiang, to other countries. Customs authorities have provided extensive assistance, and now we have more and more customers from different countries. Our business has also expanded to Pakistan and Afghanistan,” said the operations in-charge of NLC’s China Project Department.

“I believe the business volume will continue to grow, with the annual transportation expected to exceed 1,000 vehicle trips,” he added.

The Khunjerab Pass, which serves as a strategic gateway for trade between Europe and South Asia, earlier facilitated bilateral trade, including imports of textiles, agricultural products, and essential commodities, as well as exports of herbs and plants.

“This achievement marks a significant leap forward in operationalizing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), utilizing the shortest and most efficient route from China to the Gulf region via Pakistan,” the NLC stated.

The NLC also emphasized that this milestone demonstrates the operational viability of the Khunjerab Pass as a vital regional trade gateway, ensuring year-round connectivity.