Key points
- Both sides explore AI-driven port systems, logistics, and industrial cooperation
- Sudan seeks a direct shipping line with Pakistani ports to reduce transport costs
- Gwadar-based tractor assembly joint venture proposed to boost African trade
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has offered its technical expertise to help modernise Sudan’s ports and strengthen the African nation’s maritime infrastructure, pledging support for Khartoum’s efforts to enhance regional trade connectivity through the Red Sea corridor.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry made the offer during a meeting with Sudan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Salih Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Siddig, who called on him in Islamabad on Thursday, according to a statement by the Maritime Ministry.
The two sides discussed cooperation in port modernisation, maritime development, and logistics innovation, while exploring ways to leverage AI-based port management systems to improve efficiency.
Ambassador Siddig highlighted Sudan’s interest in establishing a direct shipping line with Pakistani ports in a bid to rationalise transport costs and enhance supply chain connectivity linking East Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. He noted that several landlocked African nations, including Chad, Ethiopia, Uganda, and the Central African Republic (CAR), depend on Port Sudan for access to global trade routes, underlining the importance of port modernisation for regional commerce.
“We are shifting our ports onto AI-based systems to improve efficiency and reduce operational delays,” Minister Junaid Chaudhry said, adding that Pakistan could assist Sudan in adopting AI-enabled smart port technologies, particularly at Port Sudan, which handles around 90 per cent of the country’s international trade.
The minister said that modern, digitalised ports were vital for economic growth. Pakistan’s recent National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2025 had already laid the foundation for integrating automation and smart logistics into its port operations. “Pakistan can help Sudan equip its ports with AI, automation, and digital management systems,” he added.
Highlighting Pakistan’s Blue Economy Vision 2030, Chaudhry said the two countries could work together to develop maritime corridors that connect African markets with Pakistan and Central Asia. “Sudan can serve as a vital trade hub linking Pakistan to East Africa and beyond,” he remarked.
Ambassador Siddig expressed interest in expanding collaboration beyond the maritime sector, especially in agriculture and industrial manufacturing. He stated that Sudan urgently needs tractors and agricultural machinery to increase food production.
To this, the minister proposed setting up a joint venture for tractor assembly in the Gwadar Free Zone, aimed at meeting Sudan’s domestic demand and supporting exports to neighbouring African countries.
Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination between their respective ministries to identify actionable projects and deepen bilateral collaboration. The meeting concluded with a commitment to enhancing maritime, industrial, and technological ties between Pakistan and Sudan.
