Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has proposed the establishment of a formal cooperation framework between the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), aiming to enhance maritime collaboration between the two countries.
The proposal was presented during a meeting in London with Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hussain, Adviser for Shipping of Bangladesh. The envisioned partnership includes joint container and bulk shipping services, technical training programmes, cooperation on maritime safety, seafarer development, reciprocal port-call facilitation, and strengthened diplomatic and technical engagement at senior levels.
During the meeting, Minister Chaudhry conveyed warm greetings from Pakistan and sought Bangladesh’s support for Pakistan in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category C elections, assuring that Pakistan would reciprocate in future multilateral engagements.
He further highlighted Pakistan’s intention to deepen coordination with Bangladesh at platforms such as the IMO and the International Labour Organization (ILO), particularly on matters related to seafarer welfare, safety standards, and maritime labour. Enhanced cooperation at these forums, he noted, would help both countries collectively contribute to global maritime policy discussions.
Reiterating Pakistan’s earlier offer, the minister said Karachi Port Trust (KPT) facilities remained available to support Bangladeshi cargo movement. He pointed to KPT’s expanding capacity, modernization efforts, and improved turnaround times as indicators of Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate regional trade flows.
Minister Chaudhry also proposed launching a Pakistan–Bangladesh Maritime Dialogue — a structured forum for regular discussions on port development, shipping sector cooperation, the blue economy, fisheries, and broader maritime interests. He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to building a transparent, long-term, and mutually beneficial maritime partnership with Bangladesh.
Both sides agreed on the importance of strengthening maritime cooperation to advance regional stability, economic growth, and shared prosperity. The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to continue momentum and explore practical steps for implementing the proposed initiatives.