Pakistan, Oman plan sister-port link between Gwadar, Sohar to boost regional trade

According to Profit by Pakistan Today, Pakistan and Oman are working to set up Gwadar Port and Sohar Port as sister ports to strengthen sea links and trade across the region. The idea came up at a meeting between Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noor Ul Haq Baloch and Oman's Consul General Sami Abdullah Salim Al Khanjari. Both sides agreed to work toward a memorandum of understanding, to be finalised through their ministries within the coming weeks.

The sister-port plan aims to build a sea route linking the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with Gulf and Central Asian markets. Officials said it could ease the shipment of goods between Gwadar and Sohar, shorten transit times and deepen regional trade. Separately, the two sides discussed direct flights between Gwadar and Oman operated by Salam Air from the recently built Gwadar International Airport.

Possible Omani funding for the Gwadar Free Zone was also raised, along with collaborative projects in logistics, warehousing and fisheries. The parties further agreed to expand cooperation on port management, dredging, digital port systems and training for port staff. Al Khanjari pledged Oman's backing for the framework, which will move forward through the respective ministries.