Pakistan and Iran have agreed to jointly explore new opportunities to promote the blue economy. In this regard, the two countries will work to increase regional trade and promote people-to-people contacts by strengthening road, rail and sea connectivity.
This decision was taken in a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Iran’s Minister for Roads and Urban Development Farzana Sadiq. The two ministers stressed the importance of regional connectivity to improve trade, investment and transport links.
The meeting discussed measures to increase maritime trade, develop ports and improve logistics links between the two countries through sea, land and rail.
Ferry service planned for pilgrims
Minister Junaid Chaudhry proposed starting a ferry service between Pakistan and Iran to provide a cheap and convenient means of travel for traders and pilgrims. He said Pakistani authorities would welcome Iranian companies interested in operating the service. He said that ferry fares could be kept low due to low fuel prices in Iran.
He added that in 2025, about 60,000 to 70,000 Pakistani pilgrims traveled to Iran and Iraq by air, and this number could increase significantly with the launch of the ferry service. He also said that a systematic policy for pilgrims would be introduced next year, under which all pilgrims would have to travel through registered tour operators to ensure safety and better management.
The minister said that promoting religious tourism could bring economic benefits to both countries and that cooperation was needed to develop the necessary infrastructure for it.
Iranian minister’s response
Iranian Minister Farzana Sadiq appreciated Pakistan’s proposals and said that the ports of both countries could play the role of important gateways for regional trade. He reiterated Iran commitment to enhance cooperation between ports and explore trade routes in the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf.
He said that the ports of both countries are key assets for economic development. By improving maritime and transport connectivity, new opportunities for regional trade and economic cooperation can be created.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to deepen cooperation in the maritime and transport sectors to promote the blue economy and strengthen bilateral relations.
