Pakistan and Türkiye Explore Ferry Service and Maritime Cooperation

Islamabad: Pakistan and Türkiye are moving toward deeper maritime collaboration, exploring the launch of a ferry service between the two countries alongside joint ventures in shipbuilding, ship operations, and the shipbreaking industry. The initiative aims to boost maritime connectivity, regional trade, and economic integration under a renewed spirit of bilateral cooperation.

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 strengthen maritime linkages through sustainable and mutually beneficial initiatives.

Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry emphasized that Gwadar Port holds immense potential for blue economy–related industries and invited Turkish investors to explore projects around the port. He said Pakistan is committed to transforming Gwadar into a modern maritime and logistics hub that would serve as a key node for regional trade and significantly boost the national economy.

He added that enhanced cooperation with Türkiye in the maritime sector would not only improve Pakistan’s technical capacity but also open new channels for regional connectivity and trade. The minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding collaboration with Türkiye beyond traditional areas into shipping, logistics, fisheries, and port development.

Turkish Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu expressed interest in strengthening maritime cooperation, noting that the proposal for a Pakistan–Türkiye ferry service would be reviewed by the relevant Turkish ministry. He said the initiative could enhance people-to-people exchanges, tourism, and bilateral trade by providing an affordable and efficient sea transport link.

He further announced that a Turkish delegation of shipowners and port service providers would soon visit Pakistan, with a focus on Gwadar Port, to explore potential investment opportunities. He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its port infrastructure and reaffirmed Türkiye’s willingness to participate in mutually beneficial projects.

Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry welcomed the announcement, assuring full facilitation for the visiting Turkish delegation. He highlighted ongoing government efforts to enhance port efficiency, particularly at Gwadar, to transform it into a regional trade and industrial hub.

Discussing the fisheries sector, Chaudhry noted Pakistan’s 25,000-ton tuna quota and encouraged Turkish investors to establish a value addition and canning plant in Pakistan to tap into lucrative export markets for processed seafood.

He also revealed plans to host a major maritime conference in Pakistan within the next three months, bringing together local and international stakeholders from the maritime, logistics, and fisheries sectors to promote investment and regional cooperation.

Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening Pakistan–Türkiye relations through practical collaboration in maritime affairs, expressing optimism that the growing partnership would advance shared prosperity and regional connectivity.