UAE-China Trade Route via Pakistan Launched
Regional Trade Flourishes with China-UAE Route Through Khunjerab Pass
UAE-China Trade via Pakistan Kicks Off with Multimodal TIR Service
GILGIT: Cargo movement from China to Dubai via Pakistan began on Saturday, officials said.
The National Logistics Corporation (NLC) has launched a multimodal Transports Internationales Routes (TIR) service connecting China with the United Arab Emirates via the Kunjerab Pass.
TIR, a global transport system, allows sealed cargo to be sent from one country to its destination in sealed load boxes, which do not require manual inspection by customs officials during transit.
The first shipment arrived in Soest from Kashgar, China via the Khunjerab Pass. The cargo has been sent to Gawadar, from where it will be sent to the United Arab Emirates.
A ceremony was held in Soest, Hunza, to mark the arrival of the first container from China.
NLC launches TIR system with first consignment through Khunjerab
The event was attended by Assistant Collector of Customs, Sost Imtiaz Shigri, representatives of Gilgit, Hansa, Nagar Traders Associations, traders, Customs and NLC officials.
The successful launch of the multimodal TIR service connecting China to the UAE via Pakistan will boost regional connectivity, the NLC said.
The initiative underlines Pakistan’s “importance as a transport hub”, officials said.
The TIR system is recognised globally for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness as it enables seamless movement of goods across borders with minimal customs intervention.
Addressing the event, Assistant Collector of Customs, Mr Shigri said that Pakistan’s integration into the multilateral trading system will position the country as a key conduit for regional trade and economic integration.
He also said that Pakistan will explore markets in the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and Europe through the TIR system.
“The Khunjerab Pass is a gateway for transit trade. CPEC trade also passes through this route, which is a historic achievement for Pakistan.
In the future, the flow of TIR shipments will increase the volume of trade through the Khunjerab Pass, he said.
This will help achieve the objective of CPEC and it will also benefit the people of Gilgit-Baltistan economically, said Mr Shigri.
An NLC official explained that a multimodal solution means sending goods using land and sea. He said that Central Asian countries are already trading with Afghanistan through the Khunjerab Pass. “The vision of the NLC is to make this operation global.”
