ISLAMABAD, Aug 06 :Pakistan and Iraq have agreed to strengthen their maritime cooperation and explore new sea routes by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a ferry service between Umm Qassar Port in Iraq and Gwadar Port in Pakistan.
\nThe agreement was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and a three-member delegation from the Iraqi Embassy in Islamabad, led by Deputy Head of Mission Abdulqadir Sulyman Alhimiri.
\nWelcoming the initiative, Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry described it as \u201ca new chapter\u201d in bilateral relations, emphasizing that maritime passenger and cargo links could build on expanding economic ties and religious travel between the two countries.
\nThe federal minister highlighted that Pakistan can meet Iraq\u2019s Potassium Sulphate needs, as a manufacturing facility already exists in the Gwadar Free Zone.<\/p>\n
Minister Junaid Chaudhry also sought Iraq\u2019s support ahead of Pakistan\u2019s planned participation in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) elections, receiving assurance of backing from the deputy mission head.
\nThe IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating international shipping. Its primary purpose is to ensure the safety, security, and environmental sustainability of global maritime transport.
\n\u201cThe ferry connection can leverage our shared cultural and religious bonds while unlocking new business opportunities,\u201d the minister said, underscoring the potential for increased port activity and supply chain expansion under Pakistan\u2019s blue economy strategy.
\nThe initiative to enhance maritime connectivity comes amid growing cross-border religious travel. Last year, over 88,000 Pakistani pilgrims visited Iraq for the Ashura observance, a number both countries view as a strong foundation for establishing regular sea links catering to both pilgrims and traders.
\nMinister Chaudhry informed the delegation that Pakistan is also working to set up ferry routes with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. He said similar arrangements with Iraq could complement these plans, fostering a regional maritime network that meets both economic and strategic goals.
\nThe minister proposed expanding goods trade by boosting Pakistani exports of medicines, meat and rice to Iraq while increasing Iraqi oil imports into Pakistan, which could help elevate bilateral trade well beyond current levels.
\nData for the fiscal year 2024 show Pakistan\u2019s exports to Iraq totaled $54.29 million, while imports from Iraq primarily petroleum products amounted to $145.46 million. Analysts note these figures are modest considering the market sizes and mutual interests of both nations.
\nIraqi Deputy Head of Mission, Abdulqadir Sulyman Alhimiri expressed strong support for the minister\u2019s proposals, calling the maritime sector a \u201ckey enabler\u201d for future collaboration.
\nBoth parties agreed to continue follow-up discussions, with technical teams set to conduct feasibility studies and assess investment needs. If implemented, the ferry service could transform Pakistan\u2013Iraq connectivity, unlocking new prospects for trade, tourism, and regional integration.
\nMinister Chaudhry added that the proposed ferry link would serve as a vital corridor to access broader Asian markets for Iraq, reduce transportation costs, improve logistics, and significantly boost bilateral trade between the two countries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD, Aug 06 :Pakistan and Iraq have agreed to strengthen their maritime cooperation and explore new sea routes by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a ferry service between Umm Qassar Port in Iraq and Gwadar Port in Pakistan. The agreement was reached […]<\/p>\n
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