By Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to expand their partnership in the maritime sector, exploring multiple new avenues of collaboration, including a potential ferry service, joint ventures in shipbuilding, and cooperation in ship operations and the shipbreaking industry.
The development came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Turkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to boosting regional connectivity and sustainable maritime trade.
Federal Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry highlighted that Gwadar Port presents vast opportunities for investment under Pakistan’s blue economy framework. He invited Turkish private investors to take part in port-based industries, emphasizing that Gwadar’s transformation into a modern maritime and logistics hub will enhance regional commerce and strengthen Pakistan’s national economy.
He added that closer cooperation with Turkiye in maritime affairs would bolster Pakistan’s technical capacity, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and open new trade routes connecting the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe. “Our partnership with Turkiye goes beyond economic cooperation — it reflects a shared vision for sustainable maritime development,” he said.
Turkish Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu welcomed the proposal for a Pakistan–Turkiye ferry service, confirming that the plan will be reviewed by Turkiye’s transport ministry. He also announced that a Turkish delegation comprising shipowners and port service providers will soon visit Pakistan to evaluate investment prospects in Gwadar Port and other maritime projects.
Both sides agreed that expanding maritime connectivity will not only strengthen bilateral trade but also contribute to the growth of the regional blue economy, creating new jobs and enhancing logistical efficiency. The meeting underscored the strategic importance of Gwadar Port as a gateway for regional integration and sustainable economic growth.
