ISLAMABAD: The first shipment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will enter Pakistan in November through the Sost border in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is due to close this year, said a senior government official.

“Both China and Pakistan’s governments have finalised arrangements to formally kick off trade activity under the umbrella of CPEC, starting specific import of goods through the new route under the $45-billion project.”

The official added that the government has made all necessary arrangements including the provision of security to the shipment entering Pakistan. The Chinese containers will enter through the Sost border and then be shipped via Gwadar Port.

“It is a good omen that we are going to launch the flagship programme by receiving containers from China next month, which is a sign of formal start of exports via Gwadar port,” he added.

The shipment will enter Pakistan in mid-November and would be followed by another one if the Sost border remains open with no heavy snowfall till the mid of December.

Meanwhile, experts believed that the development is a sign of success for both governments towards formally materialising the project despite several internal and external challenges.

China and Pakistan signed the multi-billion dollar CPEC project during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in April 2015, where as many as 52 MoUs were signed containing infrastructure and power projects in addition to development of sea ports, airports and establishment of economic zones.