Pakistan has intensified efforts to expand trade with Central Asia. Mohammad Sadiq, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, chaired a key meeting on the Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA). Pakistani stakeholders and Chinese officials attended the session.
In a post on X, Sadiq stated that trade traffic from Pakistani ports to Central Asia through China has continued for years. He noted a clear increase in recent months. He added that technical adjustments are under discussion. These changes could make the route the most efficient link between Central Asia and Pakistani seaports.
The meeting reflects growing regional interest in Pakistan’s transport infrastructure. Many states now seek reliable alternatives as traditional trade corridors face political and security constraints.
Understanding the QTTA Framework
The QTTA was signed in 1995 by Pakistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. The agreement aims to facilitate safe and efficient transit trade among member states. It gives Central Asian countries access to Pakistani ports through China.
The agreement uses the Karakoram Highway and routes connected to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. QTTA also operates under the international TIR system. This framework simplifies customs procedures and reduces transit delays.
Analysts note that QTTA has gained renewed relevance. Routes through Afghanistan often face instability. QTTA offers a more predictable and secure alternative for regional trade.
Expanding Interest from Central Asia
Interest in QTTA is no longer limited to its original members. Countries such as Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are also exploring its potential. Their interest highlights the agreement’s growing strategic value.
Policy experts argue that QTTA can reduce both transit time and costs. Assessments by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute support this view. They also note that the agreement strengthens Pakistan’s role as a trade bridge linking South Asia, China, and Central Asia.
For Pakistan, this role aligns with broader regional connectivity goals under CPEC.
From Policy to Practice
QTTA has already shown results on the ground. On June 2, 2023, Pakistan sent its first transit consignment to Kazakhstan via the historic Silk Route. The shipment departed from the Silk Route Dry Port in Sost near the Khunjerab border. It traveled through China before reaching Almaty.
Pakistan Customs and other government agencies coordinated closely to make this possible. Officials described the shipment as a milestone in Pakistan–Central Asia trade relations.
The success demonstrated Pakistan’s capacity to manage complex transit operations. It also highlighted the potential of Sost and Khunjerab to emerge as major hubs for cross-border commerce.
With transit traffic rising and coordination with China deepening, Pakistan is well placed to strengthen its position as a gateway for Central Asian trade to the Arabian Sea.
Pakistan Advances Central Asia Trade via QTTA and CPEC Routes
Pakistan has intensified efforts to expand trade with Central Asia. Mohammad Sadiq, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, chaired a key meeting on the Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA). Pakistani stakeholders and Chinese officials attended the session.
In a post on X, Sadiq stated that trade traffic from Pakistani ports to Central Asia through China has continued for years. He noted a clear increase in recent months. He added that technical adjustments are under discussion. These changes could make the route the most efficient link between Central Asia and Pakistani seaports.
The meeting reflects growing regional interest in Pakistan’s transport infrastructure. Many states now seek reliable alternatives as traditional trade corridors face political and security constraints.
Understanding the QTTA Framework
The QTTA was signed in 1995 by Pakistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. The agreement aims to facilitate safe and efficient transit trade among member states. It gives Central Asian countries access to Pakistani ports through China.
The agreement uses the Karakoram Highway and routes connected to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. QTTA also operates under the international TIR system. This framework simplifies customs procedures and reduces transit delays.
Analysts note that QTTA has gained renewed relevance. Routes through Afghanistan often face instability. QTTA offers a more predictable and secure alternative for regional trade.
Expanding Interest from Central Asia
Interest in QTTA is no longer limited to its original members. Countries such as Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are also exploring its potential. Their interest highlights the agreement’s growing strategic value.
Policy experts argue that QTTA can reduce both transit time and costs. Assessments by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute support this view. They also note that the agreement strengthens Pakistan’s role as a trade bridge linking South Asia, China, and Central Asia.
For Pakistan, this role aligns with broader regional connectivity goals under CPEC.
From Policy to Practice
QTTA has already shown results on the ground. On June 2, 2023, Pakistan sent its first transit consignment to Kazakhstan via the historic Silk Route. The shipment departed from the Silk Route Dry Port in Sost near the Khunjerab border. It traveled through China before reaching Almaty.
Pakistan Customs and other government agencies coordinated closely to make this possible. Officials described the shipment as a milestone in Pakistan–Central Asia trade relations.
The success demonstrated Pakistan’s capacity to manage complex transit operations. It also highlighted the potential of Sost and Khunjerab to emerge as major hubs for cross-border commerce.
With transit traffic rising and coordination with China deepening, Pakistan is well placed to strengthen its position as a gateway for Central Asian trade to the Arabian Sea.
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