By Khawaja Hamza
Gwadar, A high-level Iranian delegation visited the headquarters of the Gwadar Port Authority in Gwadar, where senior officials of the authority warmly received the guests.
The delegation was led by Chairman Board and Managing Director of the Chabahar Free Zone Organization, Mohammad Saeed Arbabi. Other members included Deputy for Economic Coordination and Regional Development at the Governor’s Office of Sistan and Baluchestan Mujib Hassani, Director of the Ramehdan Zone, Shakri Baloch, and other officials. They met with Chairman Gwadar Port Authority Noorul Haq Baloch.
During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on port cooperation, regional trade, transshipment operations, investment opportunities, and broader economic connectivity.
Noorul Haq Baloch said that Gwadar Port has the potential to become a key regional trade hub, adding that cooperation with Iran and other neighboring countries would further enhance regional trade flows. He noted that efforts are underway to develop Gwadar into an international maritime and commercial center.
Mohammad Saeed Arbabi appreciated the development and progress of Gwadar Port and expressed strong interest in expanding bilateral cooperation in trade and port-related sectors.
Later, a detailed briefing was held at the GPA conference hall, where the Iranian delegation was informed about ongoing commercial activities, transshipment operations, investment opportunities, and future development projects at Gwadar Port, the Gwadar Free Zone, and the Gwadar Free Zone Pilot Project.
Both sides reached key understandings on several initiatives, including shrimp farming and aquaculture development projects, launching a joint international brand “Makran Premium” for Balochistan and Iranian dates, and establishing a bonded transit corridor through Gwadar Port.
They also agreed to form a Joint Working Committee and initiate technical and staff exchange programs focusing on port management, free zone operations, investment facilitation, cold chain logistics, and customs system improvements.
Representatives from China Overseas Ports Holding Company, Gwadar Free Zone, and the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry also participated in the briefing.
The Iranian delegation showed strong interest in Gwadar’s ongoing projects and also briefed Pakistani officials on developments at the Chabahar Free Zone and Ramehdan Pilot Free Zone.
Both sides emphasized the strategic importance of the Makran coastal region and agreed to strengthen cooperation to unlock its economic potential.
At the conclusion of the visit, Chairman Gwadar Port Authority presented traditional Balochi shawls and souvenirs to the Iranian guests, while the delegation also presented gifts in return. The delegation later visited different sections of Gwadar Port, operational facilities, and the Gwadar Free Zone.
The visit concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Gwadar Port Authority and the Chabahar Free Zone Organization, marking a new phase of cooperation aimed at boosting trade, investment, and regional economic integration.
