Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to deepen cooperation in the maritime sector, exploring new initiatives such as the launch of a bilateral ferry service, collaboration in shipbuilding and port operations, and investment opportunities in Gwadar Port and related industries.
The understanding emerged during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu, held to strengthen maritime connectivity and promote sustainable economic linkages between the two nations.
Turkish Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu expressed strong interest in expanding maritime collaboration, noting that the proposed ferry service between Pakistan and Türkiye would be discussed with relevant Turkish authorities. He said such a project could boost people-to-people ties, tourism, and trade by providing an efficient and affordable sea transport option.
He further announced that a delegation of Turkish shipowners and port service providers would soon visit Pakistan—particularly Gwadar—to assess investment prospects. Uraloglu praised Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its port infrastructure, adding that Turkish companies were eager to participate in mutually beneficial ventures.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry assured full facilitation for the visiting delegation and reaffirmed the government’s focus on improving the operational efficiency of national ports, with Gwadar positioned as a modern maritime and logistics hub supporting regional trade and industrial growth.
Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to the blue economy, Chaudhry invited Turkish investors to explore opportunities around Gwadar Port, emphasizing that collaboration with Türkiye would enhance Pakistan’s technical capacity while opening new channels of regional connectivity.
He also pointed out that Pakistan currently holds a 25,000-ton tuna fish quota and encouraged Turkish partners to consider establishing value-added seafood and canning facilities in Pakistan to jointly tap international export markets.
Looking ahead, the maritime minister announced plans to host a major maritime conference in Pakistan within the next three months, bringing together domestic and international stakeholders from the maritime, logistics, and fisheries sectors to discuss investment opportunities and regional cooperation.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan–Türkiye relations through practical collaboration in maritime affairs, expressing optimism that such initiatives would drive shared economic growth and regional connectivity.
