A Kazakh delegation led by Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev met officials of Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs to explore deeper cooperation in seaports and regional connectivity.
Federal Secretary Syed Zafar Ali Shah highlighted the strategic value of Pakistan’s ports, offering trade access to Central Asia, South Asia, and Gulf states. He emphasized competitive tariffs and port facilities under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), noting opportunities in logistics, container handling, off-dock terminals, and free trade zones.
Representatives from Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Port Qasim Authority (PQA) shared details of spare cargo capacity and underscored the need for a dedicated multipurpose terminal at Gwadar to support future regional trade. KPT Acting Chairman Rear Admiral Ateeq-ur-Rehman also briefed the delegation on a planned maritime business district spanning 140 acres.
PQA Chairman Rear Admiral (Retd) Syed Moazzam Ilyas described Pakistan’s potential as an energy hub and proposed joint ventures in terminals linked with rail networks for Central Asian trade flows. Additional Secretary Umer Zaffar Shaikh outlined Gwadar’s incentives, including full duty and tax exemptions and its shortest land-sea trade route for Central Asia.
Minister Sauranbayev expressed Kazakhstan’s strong interest in long-term collaboration, particularly in maritime and multimodal transport corridors, signalling momentum for stronger Pakistan–Kazakhstan connectivity.
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