Pakistan, Kazakhstan boosting trade through Pakistani ports

WNAM REPORT: Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry discussed ways to expand trade through Pakistani ports and strengthen maritime cooperation during a farewell meeting marking the end of the ambassador’s tenure.
Chaudhry acknowledged Kistafin’s role in strengthening Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations during his time as ambassador and expressed hope that maritime cooperation between the two countries would continue to grow.
Discussion on Port Cooperation
Chaudhry said Pakistan is keen to deepen engagement with Kazakhstan in areas including ports, shipping, and trade facilitation, noting that stronger maritime links could open new business opportunities for both nations.
He said Pakistan is ready to offer port infrastructure and support for Kazakh cargo through Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar, including potential joint ventures within Gwadar’s free zones.
He described Pakistani seaports as potential transit hubs for Kazakhstan and the broader Central Asian region, offering access to markets across the Persian Gulf, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Kistafin highlighted the potential to expand bilateral trade through closer cooperation in the maritime and port sectors, with both sides discussing ways to strengthen institutional coordination and facilitate Kazakh trade through Pakistani ports.
Broader Regional Connectivity
According to a press release, Pakistan has invited Kazakhstan to explore joint venture opportunities at its major ports, positioning its maritime infrastructure as a gateway for landlocked Central Asian countries seeking access to Gulf, African, and Southeast Asian markets.
Discussions also covered potential cooperation in transshipment operations, multipurpose and off-dock terminals, and dry and floating dock facilities, with Kazakh representatives expressing interest in long-term investment in Pakistan’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
Talks additionally touched on broader road, rail, and air connectivity between Pakistan and Central Asia as a means of deepening regional trade integration.
The invitation was extended during a separate meeting between Chaudhry and a visiting Kazakh delegation, during which the minister emphasized the strategic importance of Karachi and Gwadar in regional trade. A member of the delegation, Timur Turlov, expressed confidence in Pakistan’s developing maritime sector and reaffirmed interest in investment opportunities aligned with the country’s broader economic priorities.