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International trade

Pakistan's Envoy Explores Khorgos Free Trade Zone in China

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pakistan's ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, visited the Khorgos Free Trade Zone in northwestern Xinjiang, where he toured the busiest dry port and border gate in China, and met with local leaders to discuss potential collaboration. The zone offers a unique advantage as a triad of China's busiest dry port, border gate, and cooperation center, serving as an ideal bridge for the free flow of goods and people between China and Kazakhstan. During the visit, Ambassador Hashmi was briefed on the technology-driven operations of the customs and immigration authorities at Khorgos, which have led to efficient and uninterrupted movement of people and goods. The zone has seen a significant increase in trade, with a 46% growth in cargo volume on a year-on-year basis in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan's envoy, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, visited the Khorgos Free Trade Zone in northwestern Xinjiang, China, to explore potential collaborations and exchanges.
  • The Khorgos Free Trade Zone offers a unique advantage as a triad of China's busiest dry port, border gate, and cooperation center.
  • Ambassador Hashmi met with local leaders to discuss how to draw upon the successful practices of the Khorgos dry port for its potential application in the Khunjerab dry port between Pakistan and China.
  • The zone has seen a significant increase in trade, with a 46% growth in cargo volume on a year-on-year basis in 2025.
  • The duty-free border market at Khorgos spans 5.8 square kilometers and allows citizens of China, Kazakhstan, and third countries to shop duty-free.
  • The ambassador and local authorities decided to maintain contact to promote exchanges and study visits to explore the possibility of replicating this successful model for Pakistan's border markets with its friendly neighbors.
  • Pakistan and China recently launched year-round operations at the Khunjerab pass in December 2024 and have proposed integrated border management, establishment of a green channel for agriculture products, among other measures.

Statistics:

  • Cargo trucks can be customs cleared in 25-30 minutes at Khorgos due to the integration of technology.
  • The two-way volume of trade has increased 46% in 2025 year-on-year basis.
  • The duty-free border market at Khorgos spans 5.8 square kilometers.

Sources:

  • The Express Tribune ("Pakistan's envoy visits Khorgos dry port in China")
  • Embassy of Pakistan, Beijing (official statement)
  • Khorgos Free Trade Zone (official report)

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