Pakistan looks to Belgium for maritime training opportunities

Pakistan and Belgium have agreed to build closer ties between their maritime bodies, with both sides willing to explore training and student exchange programmes. According to Mettis Global, the understanding came out of a meeting between Belgian Ambassador Idesbald Van der Gracht and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs. The talks ranged from maritime learning and institutional ties to port growth and the wider blue economy.

Chaudhry informed the envoy that Pakistan Marine Academy is moving toward becoming a degree-awarding body, with most preparatory work finished. He added that Pakistani learners could profit from courses and academic placements in Belgium through a proposed exchange scheme for students from both nations. He also saw wide scope for joint work in the marine sector, since sharing know-how and technical skills would help both blue economies grow.

Port expansion also came up, with several projects in the pipeline and efforts to lift transshipment volumes. Projects at Port Qasim include a multipurpose terminal, a refurbished automobile zone and a garment zone that will anchor a new industrial park. He also described a planned energy city for oil-producing countries to store white oil, crude oil and LPG, and work continues at Karachi Port Trust on on-dock and off-dock terminals. Chaudhry added that Pakistan is keen to link Gwadar Port with Central Asia, opening fresh trade and transit channels.