Pakistan eyes to deepen maritime cooperation with Bangladesh

Pakistan has proposed establishing a formal framework for maritime cooperation with Bangladesh to deepen bilateral collaboration in sea transport.

The proposal was presented by Pakistan’s Maritime Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry during a meeting in London with Bangladesh’s maritime adviser, retired Brigadier General Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, according to The Dawn.

The Pakistani proposal envisions a comprehensive partnership encompassing joint container and bulk shipping services, technical training programmes, maritime security cooperation, development of sea transport, mutual port-call facilities, and strengthened diplomatic and technical engagement at high levels.

It emphasises collaboration through international platforms such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), as well as relevant regional maritime groups, to create a structured cooperative mechanism with Bangladesh.

Highlighting Pakistan’s readiness to support regional trade flows, Muhammad Junaid cited the country’s growing port capacity, ongoing modernisation initiatives, and improved turnaround times.
He noted that closer port-to-port cooperation could reduce operational challenges, lower regional barriers, and open new avenues for commercial integration across South Asia.