Pakistan, Uzbekistan strengthen ties through maritime talks

June 27, 2025 (MLN): Uzbekistan and Pakistan have taken a significant step toward enhancing maritime cooperation, as a high-level Uzbek delegation, led by Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev, visited Karachi Port Trust (KPT) to explore investment potential and partnership opportunities in Pakistan’s maritime and port infrastructure.

The visit, facilitated by direction from Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, aimed to strengthen regional connectivity and economic growth through collaborative ventures in the maritime sector.

During a telephonic call, the Minister instructed the Transition Management Committee of KPT to extend full facilitation and briefing to the visiting Uzbek delegation, emphasizing the strategic importance of regional cooperation and Pakistan’s growing blue economy, particularly with Central Asian nations.

The delegation comprised three senior officials and business representatives from Uzbekistan, according to the press release issued.

Their visit followed a recent meeting between the Ambassador and the Federal Minister in Islamabad, where both sides stressed the importance of sustainable maritime linkages to support mutual economic growth and promote long-term prosperity through ocean-based industries.

During the engagement at KPT, members of the Transition Management Committee, Abdullah Zaki and Khawaja M Zubair, presented detailed insights into Pakistan’s blue economy landscape.

They highlighted the Karachi Port’s pivotal role in trade facilitation, development, and ongoing maritime projects such as clean bulk cargo handling, logistics connectivity, and the Maritime Business District.

The Uzbek delegation expressed strong interest in the port’s terminal operations and recognized the potential for port expansion and commercial opportunities within Pakistan’s maritime sector.

They acknowledged Pakistan’s strategic geographical position as a gateway to maritime trade and viewed the developments at KPT as instrumental in enhancing Uzbekistan’s access to global markets.

The delegation also visited South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited (SAPTL), where they observed advanced container handling operations, including the deployment of state-of-the-art gantry cranes and other modern equipment by terminal operators.

The visit underscored the increasing sophistication and operational efficiency of Karachi Port and marked a meaningful step toward fostering long-term Uzbekistan-Pakistan maritime collaboration.

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