The Khunjerab Pass: A Gateway to Prosperity for China and Pakistan. 红其拉甫山口：中巴两国繁荣之门。

（下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。）

Nestled amidst the rugged peaks of the Karakoram Range, the Khunjerab Pass, at an elevation of approximately 5,000 meters above sea level, serves as the world’s highest paved border crossing and a vital trade artery between China and Pakistan. For decades, the pass was a seasonal lifeline, open only from April to November due to severe winter weather and heavy snowfall. However, a historic shift has occurred: the pass now operates year-round, signaling a transformative chapter in China-Pakistan trade and regional development.

This pivotal development stems from a joint decision announced during the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in 2023. Located in the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Kashgar, Xinjiang, Khunjerab Pass is not just a border crossing but a strategic cornerstone of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The move to make it a full-year port is a testament to the deepening ties between the two nations and their shared vision for economic growth and cultural exchange.

Rising Trade and Economic Impact

The trade through Khunjerab Pass has witnessed a remarkable surge. From April to October 2024, the port recorded more than 11,000 inbound and outbound vehicles and processed 40,900 tons of goods, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 42.6% in traffic and 72.7% in cargo volume. Between 2016 and 2020, the total trade volume exceeded 200,000 tons, and this trajectory is set to climb further with the extended operational timeline.

China imports textiles, agricultural products, and daily commodities from Pakistan while exporting plants and medicinal herbs. These exchanges have bolstered bilateral trade, which not only supports national economies but also breathes life into remote, historically underdeveloped regions.

Transforming Border Regions

Border regions, often plagued by poverty and isolation, are experiencing a renaissance due to the trade facilitated by Khunjerab Pass. Villages on both sides of the border have seen improved infrastructure, job creation, and increased income levels. Roads, markets, and small businesses have emerged, catalyzing local economic activity and improving the quality of life.

In Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan and China’s Xinjiang, the pass has reduced poverty and fostered cultural interactions. The communities, historically reliant on subsistence agriculture and limited trade, now have opportunities to connect with larger markets, enhancing economic resilience.

Regional and Global Significance

Strategically, the Khunjerab Pass is more than a bilateral asset. It is a gateway to South Asia and Europe, offering China and Pakistan an edge in regional trade dynamics. As a crucial node in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the pass supports the vision of seamless connectivity, fostering economic integration across continents.

Road Trade: A Green and Efficient Alternative

Compared to air or sea routes, road trade via Khunjerab is cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. It minimizes shipping times and provides flexibility in transporting goods, making it an indispensable link in supply chains. The full-year operation will ensure uninterrupted trade, mitigating seasonal disruptions that previously hindered economic flows.

Looking Ahead

The full-year operation of Khunjerab Pass heralds immense potential. It paves the way for increased bilateral trade, sustainable development of border areas, and deeper cultural ties. With advancements in infrastructure and digital trade facilitation, the pass could further streamline logistics, attracting more investment and fostering innovation.

Moreover, enhanced cooperation between China and Pakistan through Khunjerab Pass sets a precedent for regional stability and prosperity. By integrating border economies into national frameworks, both nations exemplify how connectivity can address long-standing socio-economic challenges.

Summary

The Khunjerab Pass is far more than a geographical marvel; it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration and the transformative power of shared vision. Perched at an awe-inspiring altitude of 5,000 meters above sea level, it symbolizes the deep-rooted partnership between China and Pakistan, built on trust, mutual respect, and a common aspiration for prosperity.

As the highest paved border crossing in the world, the Khunjerab Pass is not just a lifeline for trade but a beacon of economic integration and cultural exchange. By unlocking its full potential through year-round operations, both nations reaffirm their unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive growth, bridging divides, and paving the way for sustainable development.

The impact of this iconic gateway reverberates far beyond the immediate trade corridors. It is transforming the lives of communities in some of the most remote and historically underserved regions. With improved infrastructure, greater access to markets, and new economic opportunities, the pass is a catalyst for poverty alleviation, better livelihoods, and enhanced regional stability.

As trade volumes surge and cross-border connectivity deepens, the Khunjerab Pass serves as a cornerstone for regional cooperation and global outreach. It strengthens the bonds of friendship between two brotherly nations while illuminating the path toward a future where shared prosperity transcends borders. In this spirit, the Khunjerab Pass is not only a bridge between two nations but also a harbinger of hope for the wider region, driving progress, harmony, and a unified vision of success.

红其拉甫山口坐落在喀喇昆仑山脉崎岖的山峰之间，海拔约5000米，是世界上海拔最高的铺设边境通道，也是中国和巴基斯坦之间重要的贸易动脉。几十年来，这条通道一直是季节性的生命线，由于冬季恶劣的天气和大雪，它只在4月到11月开放。然而，一个历史性的转变已经发生：这条通道现在全年运行，标志着中巴贸易和地区发展的变革篇章。

这一关键发展源于2023年第三届“一带一路”国际合作高峰论坛期间宣布的一项共同决定。红其拉甫山口位于新疆喀什塔什库尔干塔吉克自治县境内，不仅是边境口岸，也是中巴经济走廊的战略基石。使其成为全年港口的举动证明了两国之间日益加深的关系以及两国对经济增长和文化交流的共同愿景。

贸易和经济影响不断上升

红其拉甫山口的贸易出现了显著的增长。2024年4月至10月，进出港车辆1.1万余辆，货物吞吐量4.09万吨，吞吐量同比增长42.6%，货运量同比增长72.7%。2016年至2020年，总贸易量超过20万吨，随着运营时间的延长，这一轨迹将进一步攀升。

中国从巴基斯坦进口纺织品、农产品和日用商品，同时出口植物和草药。这些交流促进了双边贸易，这不仅支持了国家经济，也为历史上不发达的偏远地区注入了活力。

改造边区

由于红其拉甫山口促进了贸易，经常受到贫困和孤立困扰的边境地区正在经历复兴。边境两侧的村庄基础设施得到改善，就业机会增加，收入水平提高。道路、市场和小企业相继出现，促进了当地的经济活动，提高了生活质量。

在巴基斯坦的吉尔吉特-巴尔蒂斯坦和中国的新疆，这条通道减少了贫困，促进了文化交流。这些社区历来依赖自给农业和有限的贸易，现在有机会与更大的市场联系起来，增强了经济韧性。

区域及全球意义

从战略上讲，红其拉甫山口不仅仅是双边资产。它是通往南亚和欧洲的门户，为中国和巴基斯坦在地区贸易动态中提供了优势。作为“一带一路”倡议的关键节点，通行证支持无缝互联互通愿景，促进各大洲经济一体化。

公路贸易：一种绿色和高效的选择

与空运或海运相比，通过红其拉甫的公路贸易具有成本效益和环境可持续性。它最大限度地缩短了运输时间，并提供了运输货物的灵活性，使其成为供应链中不可或缺的一环。全年运营将确保贸易不间断，减轻以往阻碍经济流动的季节性中断。

展望未来

红其拉甫山口的全年运行预示着巨大的潜力。它为增加双边贸易、边境地区可持续发展和深化文化联系铺平了道路。随着基础设施和数字贸易便利化的发展，“一带一路”可以进一步简化物流，吸引更多投资，促进创新。

此外，中巴两国通过红其拉甫山口加强合作，开创了地区稳定与繁荣的先河。通过将边境经济纳入国家框架，两国都展示了互联互通如何解决长期存在的社会经济挑战。

总结

红其拉甫山口不仅仅是一个地理奇迹；它证明了持久的合作精神和共同愿景的变革力量。它坐落在海拔5000米的高处，象征着中巴两国建立在相互信任、相互尊重和共同繁荣愿望基础上的深厚伙伴关系。

红其拉甫山口（Khunjerab Pass）是世界上海拔最高的铺路边境，它不仅是贸易的生命线，也是经济一体化和文化交流的灯塔。通过全年运营释放其全部潜力，两国重申了其促进包容性增长、弥合分歧和为可持续发展铺平道路的坚定承诺。

这个标志性门户的影响远远超出了直接的贸易走廊。它正在改变一些最偏远和历史上服务不足地区社区的生活。随着基础设施的改善、市场准入的扩大和新的经济机会的出现，该通道将成为减轻贫困、改善生计和加强地区稳定的催化剂。

随着贸易额的激增和跨境互联互通的深化，红其拉甫山口成为区域合作和全球拓展的基石。它加强了两个兄弟国家之间的友谊纽带，同时照亮了通往共同繁荣超越国界的未来之路。本着这种精神，红其拉甫山口不仅是两国之间的桥梁，而且是更广泛地区希望的先驱者，推动着进步、和谐和统一的成功愿景。

(  注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)

Reference Link:- https://www2.apdnews.cn/item/24/1202/cxjdkaczf53ca453ef797b.html