Gwadar: Pakistan and Oman are moving toward establishing Gwadar Port and Oman’s Sohar Port as sister ports, with both sides discussing stronger maritime connectivity, shipping, logistics and investment cooperation. The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noor Ul Haq Baloch and Oman’s Consul General Sami Abdullah Salim Al Khanjari.
The proposed arrangement could create a more direct maritime connection between CPEC, Gulf markets and Central Asia, while helping cargo movement between Gwadar and Sohar and potentially reducing transit times. Officials also discussed possible Omani investment in the Gwadar Free Zone and joint ventures in logistics, warehousing and fisheries.
Technical cooperation was also discussed in port management, dredging, digital port operations and staff capacity building. The two sides further explored possible direct air connectivity between Gwadar and Oman through SalamAir using New Gwadar International Airport.
Most importantly, the sister-port relationship is not yet a finalized agreement. Officials agreed to move toward finalising an MoU through their respective ministries in the coming weeks.
