Crossing an important milestone, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) has formalized the transportation of commercial products by land and sea from Pakistan under the International Road Transport (TIR) system from China to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). has started
The development represents a turning point in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative, which provides a shorter and more efficient route for transporting goods from China to the Gulf countries. Radio Pakistan Reported
As part of this initiative, a truck loaded with electronic equipment left Kashgar, Xinjiang via Pakistan for Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port. The journey started from NLC Dry Port, Sost, Gilgit-Baltistan, where a ceremony was held to commemorate the historic occasion.
The goods will be delivered from Kashgar to Karachi by NLC trucks in just eight days. From Karachi, the container will be sent to Jebel Ali port by sea, taking another two days. Thus, the entire journey from China’s Xinjiang to the UAE will take just 10 days, significantly faster than the nearly one-month journey by sea alone.
This new trade route from China to the UAE through Pakistan offers a lot of benefits to the business community.
“It is very easy to ship goods from Kashgar, Xinjiang to other countries. Customs authorities have provided extensive support, and now we have more and more customers from different countries. Our business has also extended to Pakistan and Afghanistan,” NLC said. Operations in-charge of the China Project Department said.
“I am confident business volumes will continue to grow, with annual transportation expected to exceed 1,000 vehicle trips,” he added.
The Khunjrab Pass, which serves as a strategic gateway for trade between Europe and South Asia, previously facilitated bilateral trade, including imports of textiles, agricultural products, and essential commodities. Exports of herbs and plants were included.
“This achievement marks a significant milestone in the activation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), using the shortest and most efficient route from China to the Gulf region via Pakistan,” NLC said.
The NLC also stressed that this milestone demonstrates the operational viability of the Khunjarab Pass as an important regional trade gateway, ensuring year-round connectivity.