Pakistan, Egypt to Strengthen Maritime and Industrial Cooperation

Pakistan and Egypt have agreed to expand cooperation in the maritime and industrial sectors, aiming to boost joint ventures and enhance their blue economies as part of efforts to deepen bilateral economic relations.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Egypt’s Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan in Islamabad.

Both sides emphasized the need to strengthen partnerships in port development, shipping, logistics, and industrial ventures, recognizing the vast potential of the maritime sector as a driver of sustainable growth and regional trade.

Minister Junaid Chaudhry reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to improving regional connectivity through a network of roads, railways, and sea routes. “We are working to build stronger links with Central Asian states and East African nations, and enhanced maritime cooperation with Egypt will play a vital role in this vision,” he said.

He further proposed the establishment of ‘Pakistan Houses’ in Africa, Central Asia, and Egypt to promote trade, investment, and business partnerships, while inviting other countries to create similar centers in Pakistan to foster mutual economic collaboration.

Ambassador Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan welcomed Pakistan’s initiatives and offered Egypt’s expertise in maritime management, particularly in developing free zones similar to those operating around the Suez Canal. He also commended the quality and competitiveness of Pakistani exports—including spices, pharmaceuticals, leather goods, wooden crafts, and rice—and expressed optimism for continued growth in bilateral trade.

Both sides agreed that stronger maritime and industrial cooperation would not only deepen Pakistan–Egypt economic relations but also contribute to regional integration across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.