Zamaraeva, N.A. Pakistan — Gwadar — China: the regional redistribution

Abstract: This article concerns the specific features of the new stage of reconstruction of the Pakistani port Gwadar, in which China participates. In February 2013 Pakistan and China concluded a multi-million contract for the reconstruction of the port and formation of the port infrastructure. It creates a new geo-political situation in the region, in the water area of the Strait of Hormuz and the Indian Ocean as a whole, while opening new trade directions and new transit opportunities for the Central Asian states, the Western provinces of China, Iran and the states of the Persian Gulf. On February 18, 2013 Islamabad and Beijing signed the treaty on transfer the operative management of the port Gwadar and development of its infrastructure to the Chinese Overseas Port Holding. Gwadar is the third commercial port of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, together with Quasim and Karachi. According to the treaty the port remains property of Pakistan, but it shall be operated by the Chinese state company. For Pakistan Gwadar shall serve as a future alternative to the Karachi port, which is “the Seagate of the State”. The new port is situated 537 kilometers away from the trade capital of Pakistan.

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