Second Afghan transit trade vessel berths at Gwadar Port

KARACHI: A vessel carrying 20,000 metric tonnes of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertiliser has successfully berthed at Gwadar Port, marking the second shipment under the Afghan Transit Trade framework.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Saturday welcomed the development, calling it “another milestone in enhancing regional trade connectivity”.

He said the shipment originated from Townsville, Australia, and represents the second successful docking under the revised Afghan Transit Trade framework, following the arrival of MV Beyond 2 on 4 February 2025. “This is part of our sustained efforts to operationalise the Gwadar Port as a strategic trade gateway for landlocked Afghanistan,” the minister said in a statement. “Gwadar’s growing role in transit trade reflects our commitment to enabling smooth access for Afghanistan to international markets.”He noted that the recent decision by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) to replace the bank guarantee requirement with an insurance guarantee for Afghan transit cargo via Gwadar has significantly improved the ease of doing business and expedited cargo clearance.

The minister added that the arrival of MV ASL ROSE is a strong indicator of growing international confidence in Gwadar’s operational capacity and infrastructure, reinforcing Pakistan’s role in facilitating reliable regional transit trade.

Chaudhry directed port authorities to ensure prompt berthing and efficient cargo handling, reaffirming that the Gwadar Port is fully equipped to manage increasing volumes under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA). He expressed confidence that the latest development would help reduce transit costs, improve trade efficiency and strengthen economic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He added that it also positions the Gwadar Port as a key hub for wider regional economic integration.