与巴基斯坦贸易上升带动青岛港

An important piece of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is the link-up between the ports of Qingdao and Gwadar. The partnership between the two ports, one in eastern China and the other in southwestern Pakistan, could mean an explosion in the two countries' business that is already climbing.

Qianwan port in Qingdao is getting more business by the day. Most recently, it struck up a deal with the Gwadar Arabian Sea port in southwestern Pakistan.

Gwadar serves as a major hub in the China-Pakistan trade corridor, and is part of a mega project signed off on by leaders from both countries this April.

As Gwadar is built up to handle more capacity, it should mean more business for both sides. Qingdao is already increasing its shipments.

"We have added two more shipping services to Pakistan, bringing the total number to five times a week. This has resulted in an 18 percent increase in trade. Meanwhile a single trip now takes 18 days as opposed to 25 days before," Li Jingkui, director of Qianwan Port Area, said.

Li Jingkui overseas the port area which is home to 36 berths handling mainly containers, metal ore and coal. Most of the ships heading for Pakistan start from here. But at the moment, Li said the ships are still going to Karachi. The Port of Gwadar, with three multi-purpose berths, is not fully operational yet, and handles much less cargo than Karachi does. Qingdao Port officials said they are hoping to get involved soon.

"Since the signing of the agreement, we have been keeping track of Gwadar's development. We also hope to get involved with the port construction. Meanwhile a Gwadar Economic Free Zone, including warehousing and storage infrastructure will also be set up close to the port. This will greatly facilitate the flow of goods, therefore strengthening cooperation between our two ports," Qiang Shuai, assistant director of Overseas Business Dept., Qingdao Port, said.

Both countries are working towards a target of 150 billion USD in bilateral trade in 2015. Upon completion, Gwadar will supplement the current routes and further boost the figure.

The port of Qingdao is one of the worlds busiest, handling hundreds of millions tons of cargo every year. Just by standing here you could feel the booming trade China has conducted with the world. From here, a good number of ships are setting sail to Pakistan, linking Qingdao port to the port of Gwadar. The cooperation has just begun but it marks a good start not only for the two ports, but also for China's belt and road initiatives.