President Zardari visits Kashgar Free Trade Zone, a significant milestone in Pakistan-China economic cooperation and trade connectivity. The President was warmly welcomed by Yao Ning, CPC Party Secretary of Kashgar, and briefed on the zone’s rapid growth since its launch in 2015.

Kashgar Free Trade Zone: A Gateway for Asia-Europe Trade

The Kashgar Free Trade Zone in Xinjiang, China, is the only facility of its kind in southern Xinjiang. It has become an essential logistics hub for trade routes between Asia and Europe.

• The zone is linked to the Sost port in Gilgit-Baltistan, just 400 kilometers away, making it a vital part of the Gwadar-Kashgar trade corridor.
• It also connects with the Gwadar port, located approximately 2,000 kilometers away, ensuring Pakistan remains central to the Sost to Gwadar trade route.
• With road, rail, and its own international airport, the zone provides seamless access to global markets.

Advanced Trade Facilities in Kashgar

During his visit, the President was briefed on modern facilities in the free trade zone:

• Bonded warehousing in Kashgar for secure storage.
• Customs clearance and logistics services to speed up trade.
• Air freight facilities for faster global exports.
• The Digital Trade Centre in Kashgar FTZ, established in 2024, now hosts over 5,400 companies. 

Officials highlighted that the zone already has trade links with 118 countries, exporting products such as electric vehicles, batteries, solar power equipment, high-tech goods, and auto parts.

Cross-Border E-Commerce and Twin Parks Initiative

President Zardari was also shown the cross-border e-commerce exhibition centre, which features duty-free products from Central Asia, Europe, South Korea, Japan, and beyond.

The Two Countries, Twin Parks initiative was another highlight. It includes:

• An authorized Uzbekistan industrial park, offering warehouse-to-warehouse delivery within 72 hours.
• A Kyrgyzstan automotive assembly park, under development, which will also support LED production.

These projects highlight the region’s growing importance as a trade hub, connecting Pakistan, China, and Central Asia.

Strengthening Pakistan-China Economic Cooperation

The President emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to deepening ties with China through stronger trade connectivity between Asia and Europe.

He noted that the Gilgit-Baltistan Sost port link to Kashgar, as well as the Gwadar to Kashgar trade corridor, provide Pakistan with unique opportunities to expand exports and create new jobs.

Accompanying the President were Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Sindh Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, and the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan.

Key Takeaways from the Visit

• President Zardari visits Kashgar Free Trade Zone to explore new trade opportunities.
• Zone offers bonded warehousing, logistics, customs clearance, and digital trade services.
• Linked to the Sost port in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Gwadar port, strengthening the Sost to Gwadar trade route.
• Hosts over 5,400 companies and maintains trade relations with 118 countries.
• Significant initiatives include the cross-border e-commerce exhibition centre and the Two Countries, Twin Parks projects.
  

Conclusion

The visit marks a significant step in Pakistan-China diplomatic relations and sets the tone for future cooperation. By connecting the Gilgit-Baltistan Sost port link with the Gwadar-Kashgar trade corridor, Pakistan gains strategic access to Asia and Europe.

The Kashgar Free Trade Zone in Xinjiang, China, is not just a regional project; it is a cornerstone for the Pakistan-China trade hub in Kashgar, promising stronger ties, robust logistics, and new opportunities for both nations.