Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan has offered technical expertise and support to help modernize Sudan’s ports, in a meeting that recently took place between Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs and Sudan’s ambassador in the country, Salih Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Siddig.
The ambassador said that Khartoum is keen to establish a direct shipping line with Pakistani ports to make trade and logistics links more efficient. He also told the minister that landlocked African countries like Chad, the Central African Republic (CAR), Ethiopia, and Uganda rely on Sudan’s Red Sea ports, particularly Port Sudan, for access to global trade routes.
He added that modern port infrastructure and technology-enabled logistical operations are, therefore, very crucial for Sudan.
The minister expressed his country’s willingness to support Sudan’s efforts in upgrading its maritime infrastructure and strengthen trade connectivity across the region.
Both sides further discussed cooperation in maritime development, port modernization and industrial ventures. They also explored opportunities for logistics improvement and technology-driven port operations.
Minister Junaid Chaudhry welcomed the ambassador’s proposal regarding a direct shipping lane between Pakistan and Sudan.
He said Pakistan has recently approved a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2025, under which the maritime ministry is also integrating AI into the management of Pakistani ports.
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“We are shifting our ports onto AI-based systems to improve efficiency and reduce operational delays,” he said, adding that Pakistan can help Sudan adopt similar technologies.
“We can assist Sudan in equipping its ports with AI, particularly Port Sudan, which handles about 90 percent of the country’s international trade.”
The minister said modern, technology-driven ports are essential for economic growth and trade facilitation, and that Pakistan’s experience in automation, smart logistics, and digital port management can benefit Sudan.
He also pointed to the potential for wider regional trade through Sudan, saying the country’s landlocked neighbors can gain from improved maritime access.
“Sudan can serve as a key trade hub connecting Pakistan with Central Asia, East Africa, and beyond,” he said, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to promoting regional connectivity under its Blue Economy Vision 2030 initiatives.
Ambassador Siddig said Sudan is also interested in expanding trade beyond the maritime sector, particularly in pharmaceuticals and agricultural machinery. He said the country is highly in need of tractors to support its agricultural sector and boost food production.
Junaid Chaudhry proposed setting up a joint venture for tractor assembly at the Gwadar Free Zone to help meet Sudan’s domestic demand and promote exports to other African markets.
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.
