WNAM REPORT: The Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan, Dr. Dan Stoenescu, met with Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Federal Minister of Maritime Affairs, and Mr. Ateeq-ur-Rehman, Chairman of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), for a working meeting at the Karachi Port Trust Board on the margins of the Pakistan International Maritime Exhibition and Conference (PIMEC 2025) in Karachi, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral maritime and trade cooperation between Pakistan and Romania.
During the meeting, both sides underlined the importance of developing a stronger maritime partnership between the two countries, recognizing their strategic geographic positions — the Port of Constanța as a key Black Sea gateway to Europe, and the Port of Karachi as a major maritime hub for South Asia and the Middle East. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in port operations, trade facilitation, and logistics, with a shared commitment to promoting mutually beneficial partnerships that contribute to regional connectivity and economic growth.
A central topic of the talks was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Port of Constanța and the Port of Karachi, already agreed and negotiated by both sides, which is expected to be signed in the near future. The MoU will serve as a framework for long-term collaboration, aiming to formalize cooperation through the exchange of technical expertise in port management, infrastructure development, and digital logistics, as well as the facilitation of trade routes linking Europe, Central Asia, and South Asia via the Black Sea and the Arabian Sea. It will also include joint initiatives on sustainability, green port technologies, and efficient cargo handling systems.
Both parties discussed the development of port logistics and infrastructure, focusing on modern cargo handling systems, the integration of smart port technologies, and the streamlining of customs and shipping procedures to enhance operational efficiency. The Port of Constanța’s experience in multimodal transport — connecting sea, rail, and road — was presented as a potential model for cooperation and knowledge exchange to improve Karachi Port’s integration with global supply chains.
Emphasis was also placed on personnel training and capacity building as essential components of sustainable maritime growth. The two sides explored the possibility of establishing training and exchange programs for KPT officials and technical staff with Romanian counterparts, focusing on port management, maritime safety, environmental standards, and the use of digital platforms in logistics and cargo tracking. This cooperation would contribute to developing a skilled workforce capable of managing next-generation port operations.
Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the potential for expanding trade and economic opportunities through private sector engagement, investment in port infrastructure, and the creation of joint ventures. Enhanced port cooperation is expected to open new trade corridors between South Asia, Europe, and Central Asia, strengthening Pakistan’s role in international maritime trade while increasing Romania’s connectivity to Asian markets.
Ambassador Dan Stoenescu reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to building sustainable economic and diplomatic bridges with Pakistan, stating that maritime collaboration between Constanța and Karachi represents “a practical step toward connecting our two regions through commerce, innovation, and friendship.”
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their determination to proceed with the signing of the forthcoming MoU and to deepen cooperation not only in the maritime field but also in broader areas of economic, educational, and cultural exchange. The engagement reaffirmed the strong and growing ties between Pakistan and Romania, driven by shared goals of prosperity, connectivity, and mutual understanding.
