Islamabad (TDI): Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, during a meeting with Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin, underlined the importance of enhancing regional connectivity, boosting economic cooperation, and promoting bilateral maritime collaboration between the two countries.
Chaudhry stressed on the strategic significance of enhancing regional linkages to facilitate trade and economic development.
He said that Kazakhstan, as a landlocked nation, stands to gain considerable advantages by connecting with Pakistan through integrated land routes, railway networks, and access to its port infrastructure.
The discussions centred on expanding cooperation in maritime trade, infrastructure development, and sustainable maritime practices.
Reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to becoming a regional trade hub, Chaudhry said, “Our maritime sector is a cornerstone of economic development. By adopting innovative solutions and strengthening global partnerships, we aim to transform our ports into major centres of international trade.”
The Kazakh envoy expressed keen interest in enhancing collaboration in the areas of shipping and logistics.
He underlined Pakistan’s strategic location and advanced port facilities, including Gwadar, Karachi, and Port Qasim as critical gateways for Kazakhstan to access markets in the Gulf, Africa, and beyond.
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“Pakistani ports are efficient and well-positioned to facilitate Kazakhstan’s trade expansion. Enhancing connectivity through Pakistan brings new avenues for economic integration across Central and South Asia,” said Kistafin.
Both sides agreed to take concrete measures to streamline logistics, optimize trade corridors, and explore joint ventures in port modernization.
Minister Chaudhry updated the ambassador on development initiatives at Karachi Port Trust, Port Qasim Authority, and Gwadar Port Authority, and invited Kazakhstan to actively participate in these transformative projects.
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Environmental sustainability was also a main focus, with the minister underscoring Pakistan’s efforts in promoting green shipping, reducing marine pollution, and protecting coastal ecosystems such as mangroves.
