Pakistan invites Kazakh investment in maritime sector

May 20, 2026 (MLN): The Government of Pakistan has invited Kazakhstan to explore joint venture opportunities at its major ports, including Gwadar's free zones, positioning its maritime infrastructure as a gateway for landlocked Central Asian nations to access Gulf, African and Southeast Asian markets.

The two sides discussed cooperation in transshipment operations, multipurpose and off-dock terminals, and dry and floating dock facilities, with the Kazakh side expressing strong interest in long-term strategic investments in Pakistan's maritime and blue economy sectors.

Talks also covered broader road, rail and air connectivity between Pakistan and Central Asia to deepen regional trade integration, according to a press release issued.

The invitation was extended by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry during a meeting with an 11-member Kazakhstani delegation led by Timur Turlov, chief executive officer of Freedom Holding Corp.

The minister highlighted the strategic significance of Karachi and Gwadar in regional commerce, while Timur Turlov expressed confidence in Pakistan's developing maritime sector and reaffirmed his company's interest in investments aligned with the country's broader economic priorities.

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