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ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP):Pakistan and Saudi Arabia explored renewed efforts to deepen maritime cooperation and enhance regional connectivity during a meeting at the International Maritime Organization Assembly in London.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Saudi Minister of Transport Saleh Al Jasser led the discussions, focusing on strengthening collaboration in shipping, port development, and maritime training.
The two sides reviewed current partnerships and identified new opportunities for private sector involvement, especially aligned with Pakistan’s Maritime Vision 2047, which aims to modernize ports, increase shipping capacity, and attract foreign investment.
Junaid Chaudhry proposed three key investments including a partnership between Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and Saudi Arabia’s Albehri shipping line, enhanced business-to-business cooperation between maritime companies from both countries, and a potential sister-port agreement linking Karachi Port Trust with Jeddah Islamic Port to boost trade and technical exchange.
The Saudi delegation offered to share a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalize their long-term maritime cooperation and establish a structured framework for regional collaboration.
They also highlighted interest from the Red Sea Gateway Terminal, a leading Saudi port operator, in exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan’s port infrastructure, reflecting rising commercial interest in the Kingdom’s maritime sector.
Training and capacity building for Pakistani seafarers was another key topic, with discussions on providing onboard training placements on Saudi vessels to improve skills and expand employment opportunities in the maritime industry.