Pakistan and the United States agreed in principle on Wednesday to establish a joint working group to expand cooperation in the maritime sector, as Islamabad seeks greater American investment to support its ambitions of becoming a regional trade and transshipment hub.
Understanding Reached During High-Level Meeting
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker, who discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in port development, logistics and the blue economy.
“Pakistan is creating a business-friendly environment for foreign investors and welcomes greater American participation in developing Pakistan’s blue economy,” Chaudhry said, according to a statement issued by his ministry after the meeting.
Strategic Location and Economic Ambitions
Pakistan has been seeking to leverage its strategic location along major international shipping routes by modernizing its ports, strengthening logistics networks and expanding transit and transshipment services. The government has identified the maritime sector as a key pillar of its strategy to boost trade, attract foreign investment and drive long-term economic growth. The minister noted that the country’s ports and coastal resources offered opportunities for both investment and growth.
US Reaffirms Interest in Economic Cooperation
Baker reaffirmed Washington’s interest in deepening economic cooperation with Pakistan, the statement said. “Both sides exchanged views on boosting maritime commerce and unlocking investment tied to Pakistan’s growing blue economy and agreed in principle to establish a joint working group to promote coordination and expand bilateral engagement in the sector,” it added.
