China's first trade convoy reached Gwadar in Pakistan on Saturday, signaling the opening of a part of the trade route between the two countries. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) forms a link between Xinjiang province in China with Baluchistan in Pakistan.

The first caravan of Chinese trucks carried goods for international trade. The convoy was escorted amid tight security. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that his country would extend the best possible security to foreign investors using the Pakistan port for international trade.

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Top Pakistani leaders saw off a Chinese ship departing from the newly constructed Gwadar port. The ship will take the cargo to the Africa and the Middle East. The Pakistan port is located in Baluchistan, which is currently facing an insurgency.

Foreign companies have security voiced concerns over their workers in Pakistan. The country has created a special force for the purpose of guarding the new trade routes as well as the port. The port in Gwadar was funded by China, which has committed $46 billion in aggregate for CPEC. The project also includes the construction of power plants.

Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan's Minister for Planning and Development, said, "This investment will help to turn around not Pakistan's economy, but also it will enable Pakistan to become self-sufficient in energy and improve its infrastructure."

The port in Pakistan will provide China with easier access to the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Ocean. The country currently uses the Strait of Malacca. However, with the new Pakistan port, China will be able to access the Middle East and the Persian Gulf Region as well.

Tagschina, Pakistan, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Nawaz Sharif