Islamabad — Pakistan and Egypt have agreed to deepen collaboration in the maritime and industrial sectors, with a shared focus on expanding joint ventures and harnessing the potential of the blue economy to drive sustainable growth and regional trade.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Egypt’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan, held in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing economic and maritime ties, exploring opportunities in port development, shipping, logistics, and industrial cooperation. Emphasizing the strategic importance of the blue economy, the discussions highlighted its role as a catalyst for economic diversification and integration across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Minister Junaid Chaudhry underscored Pakistan’s determination to improve regional connectivity through an integrated network of road, rail, and maritime routes. “We are actively pursuing stronger links with Central Asia and East Africa, and Egypt can be a vital partner in enhancing maritime connectivity,” he stated.
As part of Pakistan’s broader economic diplomacy strategy, the minister proposed the establishment of “Pakistan Houses” in Egypt, Central Asia, and Africa to promote trade, investment, and business-to-business engagement. He also extended an invitation for similar initiatives from partner countries to foster reciprocal collaboration.
Ambassador Dr. Hassan welcomed Pakistan’s proposals and expressed Egypt’s readiness to share its expertise in maritime management, particularly in the operation of the Suez Canal’s free zones. He offered technical support and cooperation in developing similar models within Pakistan’s maritime sector.
The ambassador also commended the quality and competitiveness of Pakistani exports, including pharmaceuticals, spices, leather goods, wooden crafts, and rice. He expressed optimism about the continued expansion of bilateral trade across diverse sectors.
The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to strengthen cooperation in maritime and industrial development, recognizing its potential to deepen economic relations and promote broader regional integration.
BY: The Times Union
