Kazakhstan Keen on Expanding Maritime Cooperation with Pakistan

Islamabad: A Kazakh delegation led by Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev held talks with the officials of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs in Islamabad today to strengthen cooperation in seaports and regional connectivity. The Kazakh Transport Minister expressed strong interest in expanding maritime cooperation and building long-term collaboration with Pakistan.

According to Radio Pakistan, Federal Secretary Syed Zafar Ali Shah discussed opportunities for collaboration on Pakistani ports and multimodal transport corridors linking Central Asia with the Arabian Sea through road, rail, and sea routes. He emphasized the strategic position of Pakistan’s ports, which offer access to South Asia, Central Asia, Gulf countries, and beyond. The Federal Secretary also highlighted how Kazakhstan could benefit from container handling, logistics, off-dock terminals, free trade zones, and other port facilities under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), noting that Pakistan’s tariffs were regionally competitive.

Officials from Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Port Qasim Authority (PQA) pointed out the spare capacity available to handle Central Asian cargo, while stressing the importance of a dedicated multipurpose terminal at Gwadar for long-term trade growth. Presentations on business opportunities and incentives at Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar were given to the visiting delegation.