GWADAR: Pakistan and Oman have discussed plans to establish Gwadar Port and Oman’s Sohar Port as sister ports, with officials highlighting direct connectivity, investment opportunities and greater maritime cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noor Ul Haq Baloch and Oman’s Consul General Sami Abdullah Salim Al Khanjari, where both sides explored measures to enhance trade, shipping and logistics links.
The proposed sister-port arrangement is expected to provide a direct maritime link between the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (Cpec) and Gulf and Central Asian markets. It also aims to improve cargo movement between the two ports, reduce transit times and strengthen regional trade connections.
Officials also discussed establishing direct air connectivity between Gwadar and Oman through Salam Air using the newly developed Gwadar International Airport to support passenger movement and business activities.
The meeting further explored potential Omani investments in the Gwadar Free Zone, along with possible joint ventures in logistics, warehousing and fisheries sectors.
Both sides agreed to enhance technical cooperation in areas including port management, dredging, digital port operations and capacity-building programmes for port staff.
Both officials agreed to move forward with finalising the MoU through their respective ministries in the coming weeks. Al Khanjari assured Oman’s full support for advancing the proposed cooperation framework.
Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2026
