ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Türkiye 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 Türkiye’s 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.
Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry 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 is committed to transforming Gwadar into a modern maritime and logistics hub that will facilitate regional trade and contribute significantly to the national economy.
The minister emphasized that cooperation with Türkiye 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 brotherly relations with Türkiye 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 and said that the proposal for a ferry service between the two countries would be discussed with Türkiye’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 also announced that a delegation comprising shipowners and port service providers from Türkiye would soon visit Pakistan, with a particular focus on Gwadar Port, to assess potential investment opportunities. He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its port infrastructure and said Turkish companies were keen to participate in mutually beneficial projects.
