China and Pakistan enhance trade ties with a new air cargo route linking Guizhou and Karachi.
On May 28, a new air cargo route was inaugurated connecting Guizhou, China, and Karachi, Pakistan, aiming to bolster trade relations between the two nations. This launch precedes Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to Beijing, as reported by the Associated Press of Pakistan.
The inaugural flight, carrying six tonnes of freight including clothing, electronics, and various commodities, departed from Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou, and arrived in Karachi after nearly six hours, according to China Economic Net (CEN). The return flight was set to transport blue crabs from Pakistan back to Guiyang, Guiyang Customs reported.
The route will operate thrice weekly, transporting goods such as hardware accessories, clothing fabrics, and electronic accessories. This direct link between Guizhou and Pakistan is the first of its kind and marks the province’s first air freight route with a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) country.
Officials believe this new route will establish Guiyang as a cargo hub in southwest China and expedite the delivery of Pakistan’s fresh products to the region. The APP report highlights that the Guiyang-Karachi air cargo route will enhance trade between the two regions.
This development follows the January launch of another air cargo route connecting Ezhou Huahu Airport in central China’s Hubei province with Lahore, Pakistan.
Prime Minister Sharif’s five-day visit to China, starting June 4, will include meetings with top Chinese business leaders to attract more investment in the second phase of the Pak-China Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. Sharif is also expected to hold discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other leaders to strengthen bilateral ties and advance cooperation under the multi-billion-dollar CPEC framework.
