ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iraq have agreed to expand their maritime cooperation and explore new sea routes by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to start a ferry service between Umm Qassar Port in Iraq and Gwadar Port in Pakistan.
This came during a meeting between Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and a three-member delegation from the Iraqi Embassy in Islamabad on Wednesday, Radio Pakistan reported.
Deputy Head of Mission Abdulqadir Sulyman Alhimiri led the Iraqi delegation.
Welcoming the initiative, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry highlighted that a ferry service between Pakistan and Iraq could build on the two nations’ deep cultural and religious ties while creating new avenues for trade and economic cooperation.
The move to strengthen maritime connectivity comes amid a surge in cross-border religious travel. In 2024, over 88,000 Pakistani pilgrims visited Iraq for Ashura—an encouraging sign both countries see as a strong basis for establishing regular sea routes to serve both pilgrims and commercial interests.
The Minister informed the delegation that Pakistan is also pursuing ferry connections with Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
A similar arrangement with Iraq, he noted, would complement these efforts and help create a broader regional maritime network aligned with economic and strategic objectives.
He also proposed enhancing bilateral trade by expanding Pakistani exports of pharmaceuticals, meat, and rice to Iraq, while increasing imports of Iraqi oil into Pakistan—steps he said could significantly boost current trade volumes.
The minister also highlighted the potential for increased port activity and supply chain expansion under Pakistan’s blue economy strategy.
He noted that Pakistan can meet Iraq’s Potassium Sulphate needs, as a manufacturing facility already exists in the Gwadar Free Zone.
Iraqi Deputy Head of Mission Abdulqadir Sulyman Alhimiri expressed strong support for the minister’s proposals, calling the maritime sector a key enabler for future collaboration.
