Pakistan and Turkiye Consider Launching Ferry Service

Talks focus on boosting maritime connectivity, shipbuilding, and blue economy cooperation

Pakistan and Turkiye are exploring the possibility of launching a ferry service between the two countries as part of broader efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation and regional connectivity.

The discussions took place between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Turkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu, where both sides agreed to pursue new initiatives in shipbuilding, ship operations, and the shipbreaking industry.

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Strengthening Maritime Ties

During the meeting, both ministers emphasized the importance of sustainable maritime partnerships in enhancing trade and mobility between Pakistan and Turkiye.

Minister Junaid Anwar underscored that Gwadar Port offers vast potential for investment in blue economy projects, inviting Turkish investors to explore port-based industries, ship maintenance, and cargo services.

“Pakistan is committed to developing Gwadar into a modern maritime and logistics hub that will not only support national economic growth but also serve as a key link for regional trade,” Junaid Anwar said.

The Turkish side expressed keen interest in expanding cooperation in port management, marine technology, and training programs for maritime professionals, aligning with both nations’ strategic goals under their brotherly and economic partnership framework.

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Expanding Economic Partnership

The potential ferry service — currently in feasibility discussions — would aim to connect major coastal cities, fostering people-to-people contact, tourism, and trade exchange between Pakistan and Turkiye.

Officials noted that such initiatives align with the Pakistan-Turkiye Strategic Economic Framework (SEF), which envisions collaboration across transport, logistics, and infrastructure sectors.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to form technical working groups to assess project feasibility and prepare a detailed roadmap for maritime collaboration.