Muhammad Saleem

Exporters in Faisalabad’s textile, garment, and agriculture sectors can benefit from direct rail trade access to Central Asian markets via Gwadar and Almaty, Kazakhstan. Zia Hussain, former President of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told WealthPk that modes of transportation are set to undergo transformation in the near future, and this is the right time to plan effective routes to boost trade. He said that with proper planning and commitment, the direct rail trade route could bring Faisalabad closer than ever to new global markets.

He said these routes could be a potentially game-changing development for Pakistan’s export economy—especially for Faisalabad. The Central Asian markets, he noted, could become a significant source of foreign earnings for Pakistan, as our textile products have the potential to attract customers in those regions. Describing Faisalabad as the industrial heartbeat of Pakistan, particularly in textiles and garments–he emphasized the needs for effective transportation infrastructure.

Traditionally, he explained, most exports from Faisalabad are routed through ports in Karachi, which involves long road travel, high freight costs, and port delays. “This arrangement not only increases expenses but also slows down delivery times. Now, imagine a direct rail link that will start from Faisalabad, passing through Gwadar, and reaching Central Asian cities like Almaty– it would significantly reduce transit time and fuel costs,” he said.

He said that such rapid transportation would also improve access to new and growing markets. “We need to move beyond our usual export destinations like the Gulf, Europe, and the US. This trade route can help realize that vision and could become a lifeline for exporters seeking growth,” he claimed. I am also an agriculturist, and I know that, like textile products, we can also sell our agricultural products in Central Asian countries with the help of this route.

“Pakistan’s diverse climate allows year-round cultivation, enabling our growers to meet the staple food demands of the nation.” He further said that Central Asia has always seemed out of reach—not due to lack of demand, but because of the absence of effective routes. If the government adopts this rail route, he said, it could reduce shipping times from 25–30 days to nearly half, which would result in major cost savings.

Currently, the logistics of reaching Central Asia are expensive, involving multiple land borders and complicated customs procedures, he explained. “If this rail route through Gwadar is truly implemented, it will provide a smooth, and continuous track route to potential markets,” he added. He said that exporters are ready to do business with the Central Asian countries, but they need government assurances on reliable infrastructure, streamlined border procedures, and secure trade routes.

Raheel Ahmed, a textile exporter, told WealthPk that Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan import products worth billions of dollars every year. He said these imports include textiles, garments, rice, and other food items. He noted that, at present, Russia, China, and Turkey are the main suppliers to these markets. However, Pakistani goods are well-positioned to compete, given their high quality and competitive pricing, he added.

“I know that importers in these countries are eager to buy from Pakistan, but the problem has always been logistics. They often complain about delays, missing documentation, or inconsistent shipments. If we can ensure timely and reliable delivery through a dedicated rail link, Pakistani exporters will be welcomed with open arms,” he claimed.

Credit: INP-WealthPk