ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation by exploring joint ventures in shipbuilding, ship operations, and the shipbreaking industry, along with the potential launch of a ferry service linking the two nations.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. Both sides discussed practical steps to enhance maritime connectivity, promote sustainable economic linkages, and expand cooperation in the blue economy.
Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry highlighted the immense potential of Gwadar Port, describing it as a gateway to regional trade and industrial growth. He invited Turkish investors to explore opportunities in Gwadar-based projects, including shipping, logistics, and port development, under Pakistan’s vision to transform the port into a modern maritime and logistics hub.
The maritime affairs minister underscored that partnership with Türkiye would boost Pakistan’s technical capacity and open new trade corridors. He noted that Pakistan attaches great importance to its historic brotherly ties with Türkiye and is eager to expand collaboration across diverse sectors, including fisheries and the blue economy.
Turkish Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu expressed his country’s strong interest in expanding cooperation in the maritime domain. He said the proposed ferry service between Türkiye and Pakistan would be discussed with relevant authorities, adding that it could promote tourism, facilitate trade, and strengthen people-to-people linkages.
He also announced that a delegation of Turkish shipowners and port service providers would soon visit Pakistan, particularly Gwadar Port, to explore investment opportunities. Uraloğlu praised Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its maritime infrastructure and said Turkish companies were ready to participate in mutually beneficial ventures.
Minister Chaudhry welcomed the Turkish announcement and assured full government support for the visiting delegation. He also shared plans to organize a major maritime conference in Pakistan within the next three months to attract local and international investors and foster regional cooperation.
Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening Pakistan-Türkiye relations, emphasizing that enhanced maritime collaboration would contribute to shared economic prosperity and stronger regional connectivity.
