ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to strengthen maritime connectivity and collaboration in shipbuilding and shipbreaking.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uralolu discussed expanding bilateral cooperation. A Turkish delegation of shipowners and port service providers is set to visit Pakistan, with a focus on Gwadar Port, to explore investment opportunities. Mr Chaudhry highlighted Gwadar’s potential for blue economy industries and invited Turkish private investors to participate. He emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to transforming Gwadar into a modern maritime and logistics hub to boost regional trade and the national economy.

Mr Uralolu expressed interest in enhancing maritime cooperation and noted plans to discuss a ferry service between the two countries, which could strengthen people-to-people ties, tourism, and bilateral trade. He praised Pakistan’s port modernisation efforts and confirmed Turkish companies’ willingness to engage in joint projects.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2025