Pakistan proposes formal maritime cooperation framework with Bangladesh to expand shipping, port, safety ties

• Plan includes joint container and bulk shipping, seafarer training, maritime safety cooperation and reciprocal port facilitation
• Countries also pledge mutual support in IMO Category C elections and explore creation of Pakistan–Bangladesh Maritime Dialogue

KARACHI: Pakistan has proposed establishing a structured maritime cooperation framework with Bangladesh to deepen collaboration between the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), the country’s maritime minister said on Monday.

The Developing-8 neighbors, both significant maritime states with large merchant fleets and busy ports, have historically had limited formal cooperation between their shipping lines. Officials say a structured framework would allow the two countries to coordinate on shipping services, training, port operations and maritime safety.

“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) to deepen maritime collaboration between the two countries,” the maritime ministry said in a statement after Chaudhry held talks in London with Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hussain, Bangladesh’s adviser for shipping.

“The proposal ... envisions a comprehensive partnership encompassing joint container and bulk shipping services, technical training programs, cooperation on maritime safety and seafarer development, reciprocal port-call facilitation, and strengthened diplomatic and technical engagement at senior levels.”

The statement quoted Chaudhry as saying Pakistan was committed to strengthening institutional ties across the maritime sector:

“Pakistan will positively support Bangladesh’s request for support in the IMO Category C elections,” he said, adding that Islamabad expected reciprocal backing and stronger coordination at the IMO, the International Labour Organization (ILO) on seafarer-related matters, and relevant regional maritime groupings.

The minister noted that enhanced collaboration would improve both countries’ ability to shape global maritime policy, expand regional trade routes and safeguard shared interests in shipping, port development and seafarer welfare.

Chaudhry reiterated Pakistan’s earlier offer to make Karachi Port Trust (KPT) facilities available for Bangladeshi cargo, recalling commitments made during previous high-level exchanges. He highlighted KPT’s growing capacity, modernization initiatives and improved turnaround times as evidence of Pakistan’s readiness to support regional traffic flows.

To institutionalize cooperation, the minister proposed launching a Pakistan–Bangladesh Maritime Dialogue, a structured forum for regular discussions on port development, shipping-sector reforms, the blue economy, fisheries and emerging maritime issues.