Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan and Egypt have agreed to deepen cooperation in the maritime and industrial sectors, focusing on port development, logistics, and joint ventures.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Egypt’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan.
The two sides discussed expanding collaboration to promote sustainable growth and regional trade, with maritime connectivity at the core of their economic vision.
Minister Junaid Chaudhry emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to improving regional connectivity through a strategic network of roads, railways, and sea routes.
He highlighted Pakistan’s ambitions to strengthen trade links with Central Asian states and East African nations, adding, “We can further enhance maritime connectivity with Egypt, which is a gateway to both Africa and the Middle East.”
As part of broader economic diplomacy efforts, the minister proposed establishing “Pakistan Houses” in Africa, Central Asia, and Egypt; centers aimed at promoting trade, investment, and business partnerships.
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He also invited other countries to set up similar facilities in Pakistan to boost mutual cooperation. Ambassador Dr. Ihab Hassan welcomed Pakistan’s initiatives and reiterated Egypt’s willingness to share its expertise in maritime management, particularly in managing the Suez Canal’s free zones.
He expressed readiness to assist Pakistan in developing similar frameworks that could spur economic activity around its ports.
“Egypt sees great potential in collaborating with Pakistan on maritime ventures, and we are open to facilitating knowledge exchange and joint projects,” the ambassador said.
He also praised Pakistani exports, noting the quality and competitiveness of products such as rice, spices, pharmaceuticals, leather goods, and wooden crafts. The ambassador expressed optimism that bilateral trade would continue to expand across multiple sectors.
Both countries agreed that closer collaboration in maritime affairs and industrial development could significantly strengthen their economic relationship and promote greater regional integration across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
The meeting reflects a growing recognition in both capitals of the strategic importance of the maritime economy, not just as a tool for national development, but as a means to forge lasting economic ties between emerging regional players.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
