Pakistan proposes formal maritime cooperation framework to Bangladesh

KARACHI: Pakistan has moved to strengthen bilateral maritime ties with Bangladesh by proposing the establishment of a formal cooperation framework between their national shipping corporations.

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry presented the proposal in a meeting in London with Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hussain, Adviser for Shipping of Bangladesh.

Chaudhry proposed the establishment of a formal cooperation framework between the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) to deepen maritime collaboration between the two countries, the maritime ministry said on Monday.

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The proposal “envisions a comprehensive partnership encompassing joint container and bulk shipping services, technical training programmes, cooperation on maritime safety and seafarer development, reciprocal port-call facilitation, and strengthened diplomatic and technical engagement at senior levels”.

During the meeting, the minister also sought Bangladesh’s support for Pakistan in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Category C elections, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to reciprocate.

“Pakistan will positively support Bangladesh’s request for support in the IMO Category C elections,” he stated, signalling an intention to enhance bilateral coordination across multilateral forums.

The minister emphasised building cooperative frameworks with Bangladesh at platforms such as the IMO, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on “seafarer-related matters, and relevant regional maritime groupings”.

Enhanced coordination, he argued, would bolster the ability of both countries to shape global maritime policy and safeguard shared interests in shipping, port development, and seafarer welfare.

Chaudhry also reiterated Pakistan’s earlier offer to make Karachi Port Trust (KPT) facilities available for Bangladeshi cargo, recalling commitments made during previous high-level exchanges.

He highlighted KPT’s “expanding capacity, ongoing modernisation initiatives, and improved turnaround times as evidence of Pakistan’s readiness to support regional trade flows”.

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The minister said closer port-to-port collaboration could ease logistics challenges, reduce regional bottlenecks, and open new avenues for commercial integration across South Asia.

Chaudhry also proposed launching a Pakistan–Bangladesh Maritime Dialogue, a structured platform for regular discussions on port development, shipping sector cooperation, the blue economy, fisheries, and other emerging maritime issues.

According to the ministry statement, both sides agreed to work toward strengthening maritime cooperation in support of regional stability, economic growth, and shared prosperity.

“The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to maintain momentum in bilateral engagements and explore practical steps for implementing the proposed initiatives,” the ministry said.