FM Maritime seeks stronger ties with Romania to boost blue economy
KARACHI: — Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Romanian Ambassador Dr. Dan Stoenescu discussed closer cooperation between Karachi Port and Romania’s Port of Constanța, focusing on logistics integration, trade facilitation, and regional connectivity.
Rear Admiral Atiq-ur-Rehman, Acting Chairman of the Karachi Port Trust, also attended the meeting.
The minister said Pakistan wants to play a bigger role in global maritime trade by building linkages that connect the Middle East, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa. He highlighted the potential of connecting Pakistani ports with the Port of Constanța to expand access to European markets and advance the blue economy.
Junaid Chaudhry noted that Pakistan’s number of operational ports is expected to rise to six in the coming years, with existing ports reaching full capacity before 2047. Strengthening maritime infrastructure and connectivity, he said, is key to turning Pakistan into a major industrial and trade hub.
Both sides discussed capacity building and agreed to explore training and exchange programs in areas such as maritime safety, port operations, environmental management, and digital logistics. The minister said developing a skilled workforce to manage next-generation port systems is central to Pakistan’s modernization plans.
Ambassador Stoenescu praised the quality of Pakistani exports and expressed Romania’s interest in importing sports goods, surgical instruments, and agricultural products. He reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Pakistan, calling maritime cooperation a practical way to deepen regional integration and shared prosperity.
The talks also covered opportunities for private sector participation and investment in port infrastructure. Both sides expressed optimism about opening new trade routes and reinforcing Pakistan’s position as a regional maritime hub.
Junaid Chaudhry said stronger partnerships with European countries like Romania would help diversify Pakistan’s export markets while supporting regional stability through economic cooperation and innovation.
Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to expand collaboration across economic, educational, and cultural sectors, reflecting the growing partnership between Pakistan and Romania
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
