[
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Turkiye have explored new avenues of maritime cooperation, including the possible launch of a ferry service between the two countries and collaboration in shipbuilding, ship operations and the shipbreaking industry.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Turkiye Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu. Both sides agreed on the need to enhance maritime connectivity and strengthen economic linkages through sustainable initiatives that could benefit both nations.
Junaid Anwar highlighted that Gwadar Port holds immense potential for blue economy-related industries, inviting Turkish investors from the private sector to consider investing in projects based around the port. He said that Pakistan was committed to transforming Gwadar into a modern maritime and logistics hub that would facilitate regional trade and contribute significantly to the national economy.
The minister emphasised that cooperation with Turkiye in the maritime domain would not only enhance Pakistan’s technical capacity but also open new channels of regional trade and connectivity. He underlined that Pakistan attaches great importance to its longstanding relations with Turkiye and looks forward to expanding collaboration beyond traditional sectors into areas such as shipping, logistics, fisheries and port development.
Turkish Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu expressed his country’s interest in strengthening maritime cooperation with Pakistan, saying that the proposal for a ferry service would be discussed with Turkiye’s relevant ministry. He noted that such a service could enhance people-to-people ties, tourism and bilateral trade by providing an affordable and efficient mode of sea transport.
The Turkish minister announced that a delegation comprising shipowners and port service providers from Turkiye would soon visit Pakistan, with a particular focus on Gwadar Port, to assess potential investment opportunities.
