Pakistan, Belgium seek closer maritime institutional ties

Business Recorder reported that Pakistan and Belgium agreed to deepen ties between their maritime bodies, including training and student exchange schemes. Belgian Ambassador Idesbald Van der Gracht met Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry at the ministry. Talks covered maritime learning, institutional links, harbour expansion and the wider blue economy. Both sides also want closer institutional contacts and practical areas of cooperation.

Chaudhry noted that the Pakistan Marine Academy is being elevated to a degree-awarding body, and most of the groundwork has been finished. Pakistani learners could receive training at Belgian maritime institutions, and a proposed exchange would let students from each country learn from the other's experience. He argued that pooling skills and institutional know-how could support both nations' blue economy goals.

The government, the minister noted, is working to increase transhipment activity and pursue projects that expand commercial and industrial capacity at Pakistani ports. At Port Qasim, plans include a multipurpose terminal, an automobile hub with refurbishment work, and a garment hub supporting an industrial park. The government is also developing on-dock and off-dock terminals at Karachi Port Trust, and an energy city would offer storage of white oil, crude oil and LPG for oil-producing countries. Gwadar Port was another focus, with linkages to Central Asia intended to improve regional connectivity and open trade and transit opportunities.