ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has proposed a new, structured maritime cooperation framework with Bangladesh to expand collaboration in shipping, port development, and broader maritime affairs.

The proposal was presented by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry during a meeting in London with retired Brigadier General Dr M. Sakhawat Hussain, Adviser for Shipping to the Government of Bangladesh.

According to a press release, Chaudhry outlined plans for a formal partnership between the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation. The envisioned cooperation includes joint container and bulk shipping operations, technical training, maritime safety initiatives, seafarer development, and reciprocal port-call facilities.

The minister also sought Bangladesh’s backing for Pakistan’s candidature in the International Maritime Organization Category C elections, assuring Dhaka of Islamabad’s full support in return. “Pakistan will positively support Bangladesh’s request in the IMO Category C elections,” Chaudhry said, signaling a broader push for coordinated positions at global maritime forums.

Chaudhry added that Pakistan aims to strengthen engagement with Bangladesh through platforms such as the International Maritime Organization and the International Labor Organization on seafarer-related issues, as well as regional maritime bodies. Enhanced coordination, he said, would help both countries better influence global maritime policy and protect shared interests in shipping and port growth.

He reiterated Pakistan’s earlier offer to facilitate Bangladeshi cargo at Karachi Port Trust, pointing to recent capacity upgrades, faster turnaround times, and ongoing modernization at the port. Pakistan, he said, is well-positioned to support regional trade flows and ease logistics bottlenecks across South Asia.

To build sustained dialogue, the minister proposed establishing a Pakistan-Bangladesh Maritime Dialogue, an institutional mechanism for regular discussions on port development, the blue economy, fisheries, and emerging maritime challenges.

Both sides agreed to pursue concrete steps to advance maritime cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability and economic growth. The meeting ended with a pledge to continue high-level engagement and move toward implementing the proposed initiatives.

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Pakistan proposes formal maritime cooperation framework to Bangladesh