The Federal Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), has approved a plan to commission a comprehensive feasibility study for developing modern warehousing and cold storage facilities in the region. The initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses, boost agricultural exports, and enhance supply chain efficiency for local farmers and producers. Alongside this, a parallel framework will be developed to improve financing access for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in GB, supporting economic growth and regional entrepreneurship.
The proposed warehousing infrastructure will help preserve perishable goods—such as fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs—that are central to GB’s economy, enabling longer shelf life, better price realization, and increased trade with national and international markets. The feasibility study will assess optimal locations, required capacities, energy needs, and potential public-private partnership (PPP) models for sustainable facility management.
Simultaneously, targeted measures to improve SME financing will include tailored credit products, reduced collateral requirements, and capacity-building programs in partnership with local banks, microfinance institutions, and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). These efforts are designed to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of GB’s youth and women-led businesses, driving job creation and inclusive economic development in the region.
“Gilgit-Baltistan holds immense untapped economic potential, especially in agriculture and tourism. By developing modern warehousing and improving SME financing, we aim to uplift local enterprises, minimize wastage, and integrate GB more effectively into national and regional value chains,” stated a senior government official involved in the planning.
The initiatives are aligned with the broader agenda of regional development and economic mainstreaming of Gilgit-Baltistan, contributing to poverty reduction and sustainable prosperity in Pakistan’s northern territories.
