STRATEGIC AND ECONOMIC PROSPECTS OF GWADAR PORT AS A TRADE AND ENERGY CORRIDOR FOR PAKISTAN

Abstract

Development of Gwadar natural deep sea port, with all its associated projects, favorably influences the geo-strategic and geo-economic prospects of Pakistan. Geo-strategic location of Gwadar makes it an ideal hub port to capture transit and transshipment trade of Central Asia, Afghanistan, China and the Middle East and this regional accessibility with a viable and secured corridor would further expand regional economic cooperation. In addition to the efficient exploitation of exclusive economic zone, the port is also poised to provide strategic depth to the country’s commercial and military vessels. The aim of this research is to ascertain geo-strategic and geo-economic significance of Gwadar port as an indispensable factor to support national economic development; act as a vibrant commercial hub in the designed trade and energy corridor linking Pakistan with surrounding regions to generate immense economic dividends and give strategic depth to the Navy for surveillance activities to ensure maritime defence and safe flow of oil from the Persian Gulf to China via Gwadar- Kashgar Corridor. The research methodology applied in this dissertation is of mixed methods (descriptive, historical, empirical, comparative and analytical) to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The data is comprised of structured and semistructured interviews followed by questionnaires and surveys to authenticate the factors influencing the port prospects as a trade and energy corridor while enhancing country’s defense capability to seek strategic depth further to the southwest from its geographical vulnerable Karachi Naval base. Based on empirical findings, the research further identifies areas with recommendations that require immediate attention of policy makers to translate Gwadar port vision into a tangible reality by addressing issues related with its success.