Comments on: Central Asia’s Seaport: Gwadar or Chabahar?

By: Mohammad

Mohammad — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:56:58 +0000

Some part of information about Chabahar is not accurate, for instance it is not as has been mentioned ” the new Indian-financed port “, Chabahar is operational for more than 30 years, due to its geostrategic position, has attracted many international investors to invest there like Indian companies. Capable of handling 45000 DWT ships and equipped with different specific and modern equipment now is able to handle all type of cargo such as container, liquid bulk, general cargo and solid bulk. Increasing Chabahar geographical advanatge in maritime transport contest , goverment has allocated considerable amount of money to expand it so its development plan has started this year, meanwhile some international shipping lines and companies like Indians are negotiating to take participate in such excellent situation.

By: Lawrence

Lawrence — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:45:07 +0000

Chinese support will make or break this contest. Though I agree that both can be successful and still compete. If China is willing to pay higher shipping costs for their oil to go through Pakistan instead of Myanmar, then Gwadar will be successful with or without the Central Asian countries.

By: Nathan

Nathan — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:28:38 +0000

I’m around, but work is occupying a lot of my time. And unlike previous jobs where I’ve blogged on the clock, I feel it would be a bit improprietous for me to do so at this place.

However, I can try to do more pop culture posts. Those don’t take much time, and if there’s a demand for them to come back (I’ve received complaints about them in the past), I can do so.

By: Deirdre

Deirdre — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:40:12 +0000

That was a very interesting article. I sincerely mean that, I really do. I’ve been reading Registan for years, always top-notch.
But y’know who and what I miss? Nathan and his links to Central Asian popular culture. Could we have some more of that and less Iran/Taleban please? Nathan where are you? Come back!
I’m off to listen to Cherniy Boomer, whilst also thinking hard about Uzbekistan…beep beep.

By: Kayumars Turkistani

Kayumars Turkistani — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:58:22 +0000

Assad,
I agree that Gwadar will be successful and will likely have higher cargo rates than Chabahar. Would it be fair to say that Gwadar will have more trade but that Chabahar will initially (for 10-15 years) have a higher percentage of the Central Asia trade?

And with stability in the region I can see both ports as winners, just as there are competing ports in Europe that all do well. Keep in mind that I am not an economist or a business strategist. I’m just trying to take a guess at what political and economic effects these ports may have in Central Asia. And consider my conclusion mostly speculation rather than the result of some in depth study. The experts often get it wrong and I’m not even an expert in the area of international trade routes.

By: Assad

Assad — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 09:06:18 +0000

A very interesting comparison, a very well written, brief yet informative. The learned writer deserves a “HOLA”
In my opinion Gwadar Port enjoys a lot better location than Chahbahar Port. Gwadar Port is situated at Main Cargo Route whereas Chahbahar Port is 175+ KM away from Gwadar towards a dead end…
It makes Gwadar Port a preffered choice for any Ship because you know time and distance cost in hundreds of thousands of dollars to ships.
India is dying for a trade corridor from Pakistan to trade with Afghanistan and Iran, just because of Pakistan’s Strategic Location.

Irani Policy: Politically Alone, Only India is helping Iran but India is helping not as a friend but as an enemy of Pakistan. India will never help Iran for Iran rather India will work against Pakistan.

Initially, Gwadar port is expected to face competition from Iran. But after completion of the Phase-II by 2010, it is likely to become one of the busiest ports in the region, providing warehousing, trans-shipment and industrial facilities for trade.