Pakistan and Oman have agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation, focusing on launching a direct ferry service, sharing marine knowledge, and boosting trade ties. The understanding emerged from a meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Omani Ambassador Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi.
The two sides reaffirmed their longstanding diplomatic, cultural, and economic relationship, underlining the need to deepen maritime trade and regional connectivity. Minister Chaudhry pointed out that Pakistan’s exports to Oman via sea ports reached around $224 million in 2024. He stressed the importance of enhancing this figure through joint efforts and improved infrastructure.
Highlighting the benefits of a direct ferry service between Gwadar and Oman, the minister projected substantial gains in trade, investment, and transit revenue. He estimated that Gwadar’s maritime operations alone could generate between $10 to $15 billion annually for Pakistan. Oman, he noted, could use this link to access South and Central Asian markets, reinforcing its regional outreach.
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The minister called for Omani support to fast-track the ferry service and also proposed enhanced educational ties. He offered places for Omani students at the Pakistan Marine Academy, which is being upgraded to university level, aiming to build skilled human capital in maritime sciences.
The Omani envoy welcomed the initiatives, highlighting Urdu’s wide usage in Oman as a sign of deep-rooted social ties. He acknowledged the contribution of the Pakistani community to Oman’s growth and suggested greater business-to-business interactions to stimulate investment and trade.