Report compiled by Editor Tazeen Akhtar
Pakistan stands ready to coordinate transport plans, enhance cross border facilitation, mobilize joint investments and strengthen regional value chains.Pakistan is engaging with Central Asian, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and East African nations to strengthen maritime cooperation and expand trade routes.
Prominent foreign dignitaries attending the main session included :
Ms. Farzaneh Sadegh, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran;
Mr. Abdulkadir Uralo?lu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye;
Mr. Abdul Latheef Mohamed, Minister of State for Transport of Maldives;
Mr. Nurlun Sauranbayev, Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan;
Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Vice Minister of Transport of Saudi Arabia;
Mr. Rahman Hummatov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development , Transport of Azerbaijan; Mr. Sergei Dubina, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of Belarus,
Mr. Yagmyrov Kakajan, Head of International Relations and Logistics Department, Ministry of Automobile Trasnsport, Republic of Turkmenistan,
Mr. Asad Majeed Khan, Secretary General of ECO,
Mr. Umberto de Pretto, representative of IRU.
Video Conference
Mr. Dmitry Zverev, Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation
Mr. Choriyev Jasurbek Ergashevich Deputy Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, addressed the session via video conference.
Presence of transport experts and policymakers from across the region underscored their collective commitment to deepening cooperation and enhancing regional connectivity.
Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Ishaq Dar graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. While other ministers from Pakistan side present were Abdul Aleem Khan, the incharg minister of the host ministry of communication, Mr. Muhammad Junaid Anwar, Minister of Maritime Affairs, and Mr. Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Minister of Railways.
Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that CPEC is now widely recognized as a catalyst for energy infrastructure development, transport connectivity and enhanced trade across the whole of South Asia and Central Asia.
Referring to key connectivity initiatives, Deputy Prime Minister said that Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan rail framework agreement is a landmark initiative to open new trade avenues. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to investing in regional energy projects.
He expressed confidence that the region can be transformed into a dynamic hub of trade and connectivity. He said that the region shares a common vision of developing integrated transport systems to bring communities closer and boost mutual prosperity.
The Minister noted that in today’s rapidly changing world, efficient transport systems are no longer a luxury but a necessity. He emphasized that, situated at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and the Middle East, the region stands at a transformative moment one that presents both challenges and opportunities.
He expressed confidence that the deliberations and discussions held during the conference would lead to innovative ideas, stronger partnerships, and tangible progress toward achieving the shared goal of enhanced regional connectivity.
He said that Pakistan’s maritime sector is entering a new phase of transformation as the country seeks to become a regional hub of connectivity and trade, driving the growth of the blue economy.
He noted that Karachi Port and Port Qasim currently operate at only half their capacity, offering vast potential for regional partners. Gwadar Port, equipped with modern transshipment facilities, stands ready to play a central role in regional integration.
The minister projected that Pakistan’s economy could reach one trillion US dollars by 2035, with trade volumes surpassing 250 billion dollars. To support this growth, he said, Pakistan has launched a modern port community system powered by artificial intelligence, while the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) plans to expand its fleet to 30 vessels by mid-2026, contributing up to two percent to GDP.
Junaid Chaudhry termed the revival of the Gaddani ship recycling yard and the establishment of an Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex at Port Qasim as “game changers” for Pakistan’s maritime future. He invited regional counterparts to visit Pakistani ports to witness ongoing advancements in infrastructure and logistics.
He said brought together experts and policymakers from 26 countries to explore the oceans’ role as engines of growth and sustainability. “Our oceans are not barriers but bridges,” he remarked.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the UN 2030 Agenda, Minister Chaudhry said the Blue Economy strategy aims to connect the Arabian Sea with the Gulf, Central Asia, East Africa, and South Asia, turning the region into a corridor of prosperity.
He noted that Pakistan’s 1,046-kilometer coastline and 290,000-square-kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone offer immense potential, with plans to raise the maritime sector’s GDP share from 0.8 to two percent by 2035 through innovation and international collaboration.
Outlining a decade-long maritime vision, Junaid Chaudhry said the goal is to build a globally competitive and sustainable maritime industry by 2035 expanding PNSC’s fleet to 80 ships, digitizing ports, and promoting shipbuilding, aquaculture, and coastal tourism. Highlighting Karachi Port as Pakistan’s leading trade facility, Port Qasim as one of the world’s most developed, and Gwadar as an emerging regional hub, he said improved road and rail connectivity will be completed by 2028, with Gwadar projected to lead in cargo throughput by 2030.
He added that port master plans are being updated with international assistance to align with global standards. Gwadar, supported by its new international airport, is set to become a regional gateway for energy, fiber, and IT connectivity, linking sea trade directly with global air routes.
Concluding, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said Pakistan’s maritime journey represents a shift “from potential to progress and integration,” reflecting the nation’s resolve to turn its seas into bridges of prosperity.
Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan accompanied Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Ishaq Dar on a visit to the RTMC 25 Expo where various transport and infrastructure projects were showcased.
Pakistan has made significant investments over the past decade to upgrade its infrastructure and modernize logistics. The development of an extensive network of Motorways, highways and transport corridors has facilitated the seamless movement of goods, reduced travel times and lowered trade costs, thereby strengthening Pakistan’s position as a key regional transit and connectivity hub.
The conference serves as a vital platform to identify priority transport routes, harmonize regulations and explore joint investments in major transport and logistics projects.
