Pakistan’s long-term economic growth hinges on enhancing its transport infrastructure, particularly in ports, railways, and logistics systems. Modern technologies, environmental sustainability, and workforce development are vital for unlocking the potential of these sectors.
Dr. Muzammil Zia, a Regional Connectivity and Infrastructure Specialist at the CPEC Secretariat, emphasized the importance of ports and logistics for landlocked Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, which rely on transit routes through Pakistan and China to access global markets.
The recent SCO conference highlighted cross-border project development to alleviate logistical bottlenecks, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) transforming Pakistan into a significant transit hub. Gwadar Port, a key CPEC project, enhances connectivity between Central Asia and the Arabian Sea. Investments in infrastructure are critical for reducing transportation costs and facilitating trade.
An anonymous official from the Pakistan Business Council pointed out that digitalization is essential for improving transport and logistics efficiency. The logistics sector in Pakistan has fallen behind in adopting modern technologies, such as digital tracking and AI-driven logistics management. Implementing digital solutions in ports and railways could alleviate bottlenecks, enhance transparency, and boost overall efficiency.
Additionally, aligning education and training programs with the logistics and transport sectors’ evolving needs is crucial. Investing in human capital ensures that workers can effectively utilize new technologies and infrastructure developments.
