Pakistan, Kazakhstan to strengthen maritime ties to boost regional trade and connectivity
ISLAMABAD: During a meeting with Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry underscored the significance of improving regional connectivity, advancing economic ties, and strengthening bilateral maritime relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
Minister Chaudhry stressed the strategic value of building regional linkages to foster trade and economic development. He pointed out that as a landlocked nation, Kazakhstan could benefit significantly by linking with Pakistan through an integrated transport framework, including railways and port access.
The dialogue focused on enhancing cooperation in maritime commerce, infrastructure investment, and sustainable shipping practices. Reiterating Pakistan’s aspiration to evolve into a key regional trade center, the minister remarked, “Our maritime industry is pivotal to economic progress. By embracing innovation and cultivating global alliances, we are working to turn our ports into hubs of international trade.”
Ambassador Kistafin conveyed Kazakhstan’s strong interest in deepening ties in shipping and logistics. He acknowledged Pakistan’s geographical advantage and its modern ports—Gwadar, Karachi, and Port Qasim—as crucial access points for Kazakhstan to reach markets in the Gulf, Africa, and beyond.
“Pakistan’s ports offer efficiency and strategic access that can greatly support Kazakhstan’s trade goals. Enhancing connectivity through Pakistan paves the way for greater economic integration across Central and South Asia,” said the ambassador.
Both parties agreed to take practical measures to improve logistics operations, refine trade routes, and explore collaborative ventures in port development. Minister Chaudhry also briefed the ambassador on ongoing upgrades at Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim Authority (PQA), and Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), inviting Kazakhstan to engage actively in these initiatives.
Environmental responsibility was another key area of focus. The minister shared Pakistan’s commitment to eco-friendly shipping, reduction of oceanic pollution, and conservation of marine habitats such as mangrove forests. Both sides also emphasized the importance of skills training and cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.Third Round of Pakistan-Kazakhstan Bilateral Political Consultations
The meeting concluded with a joint pledge to form specialized working groups to accelerate the execution of joint initiatives. Ambassador Kistafin commended Pakistan’s role in maritime advancement and reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s full support for expanding the partnership.
This engagement marks a mutual dedication to building a more connected and thriving regional trade landscape, positioning Pakistan as a central maritime link between Central and South Asia.
