The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has launched plans to create a new maritime trade route linking Karachi Port with Djibouti, a major entry point to East Africa, with the goal of enhancing commercial ties with the East African Community (EAC).
The EAC, which includes nations like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, represents a population exceeding 500 million and a collective GDP nearing $600 billion. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, presented the proposal, stressing the need for inter-ministerial collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
The strategy involves a comprehensive framework that integrates trade, finance, diplomacy, and technological cooperation to facilitate Pakistani businesses’ entry into East African markets.
In its initial phase, the plan includes the introduction of a direct shipping service between Karachi and Djibouti, aiming to cut down shipping time and transportation expenses. Djibouti acts as a regional logistics center, offering port connectivity to nearby countries such as Ethiopia and Somalia.
This direct shipping route is expected to make Pakistan’s exports more cost-effective and improve their competitiveness in East African markets.
Future plans will concentrate on expanding Gwadar Port to function as a primary export base for Africa-bound goods. Due to its strategic location on the Arabian Sea, Gwadar is well-positioned to facilitate trade between Pakistan, the Middle East, and Africa.
Minister Chaudhry remarked that the proposed maritime corridors will deepen Pakistan’s trade engagement with EAC nations, many of which are experiencing swift economic progress. Key sectors expected to benefit include agriculture, textiles, manufacturing, and technology.
Through improved trade connectivity, Pakistan aims to boost its export volumes and attract foreign investment, thereby fueling broader economic development.
Chaudhry also pointed out that East Africa has a strong demand for Pakistani products such as textiles, agricultural goods, pharmaceuticals, and machinery—indicating a promising outlook for export expansion and durable trade partnerships with EAC member states.
Related Posts
