The first commercial cargo from Kyrgyzstan has successfully arrived in Pakistan through China, facilitated by a partner company of Pakistan’s National Logistics Corporation (NLC) under a transit trade agreement. This milestone marks a significant advancement in regional trade connectivity.
The shipment entered Pakistan via the Khunjerab Pass and Sost Dry Port, routes that have gained popularity among several countries as reliable trade corridors, largely due to NLC’s efforts to operationalize this pathway. This new corridor offers landlocked Central Asian nations—including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan—direct access to Karachi Port, providing a faster and more secure trade route.
Pakistan is increasingly positioning itself as a crucial transit hub for Central Asia, offering a swift, dependable, and secure passage for countries aiming to reach global markets. Since 2024, NLC has been facilitating the transport of goods from Karachi to various cities in Kyrgyzstan under the TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) system, which streamlines cross-border trade.
In a significant development, experts highlight that this new trade link largely bypasses Afghanistan, establishing a modern and secure connection for the first time. Additionally, the year-round operation of Sost Dry Port is expected to provide stability and continuity in trade between China, Pakistan, and Central Asian states, further strengthening regional economic ties.
