ISLAMABAD, June 28 (TNF): Pakistan and Uzbekistan took a significant step towards deepening maritime cooperation as a high-level Uzbek delegation visited Karachi Port on Thursday to explore investment and partnership opportunities.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry directed the Karachi Port Trust’s Transition Management Committee to extend full support to the visiting team, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to regional economic collaboration and the expansion of the blue economy through partnerships with Central Asian nations, according to a press release.
The Uzbek delegation, led by Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev, included senior officials and business leaders aiming to assess Pakistan’s port and maritime sectors for potential collaboration.
The visit followed earlier discussions in Islamabad between the ambassador and the maritime minister on strengthening sustainable maritime linkages to promote regional connectivity and ocean-based industries.
The team received a comprehensive briefing on Karachi Port’s role in trade facilitation and the 1,600-acre Comprehensive Coastal Development Zone, which offers investment prospects in port expansion, tourism, infrastructure, and clean bulk cargo handling.
The Uzbek side showed keen interest in these initiatives, viewing Pakistan’s geographical location as a strategic gateway to global markets. The delegation also toured South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited to observe modern container handling operations, underscoring Karachi Port’s growing capabilities.
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