After 77 long years of operations from Khunjerab Pass, it has newly been set operational for years. Indeed, a great milestone has been entailed in this development enabling continuous trade between Pakistan, China, and the Central Asian Republics (CARs).
The Khunjerab Pass is an important trading conduit between Gilgit-Baltistan and China. This is part of the CPEC program intending to enhance connectivity and trade between China, Pakistan, and CARs. According to the sources, the pass routes machines, textiles, electronics, and food into regional economies through its network.
Industrial and agricultural exports have been made through this channel by Pakistan to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and other CARs, including Kazakhstan. The year-round opening of Khunjerab will also strengthen economic links with China and bolster regional trade and economic integration.
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Historically, the pass has only remained open from April to November, as heavy snowfalls and harsh winter conditions limited trade to about seven months each year. Thus, Pakistan and China agreed to make it functional all year round. The commitment was made in a Joint Statement during the Third Belt and Road Forum held in 2023. In addition, the two countries also agreed to undertake infrastructural developments with improved passage conditions for a continuous flow of trade.
Thus, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) has taken steps to support the cross-border trade movement at Sost Dry Port through a central heating system together with the provision of facilities to officials and trading stakeholders to ensure proper trading business all year round. To promote further increases in trade, plans are underway for enhanced imports, exports, and transits from Pakistan.