Pakistan and Malaysia Boost Maritime Cooperation with New Training and Port Initiatives
Pakistan and Malaysia are strengthening their maritime collaboration through a new cooperation framework that focuses on maritime training and enhancing port-sector relations. This initiative emerged from discussions between Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Hasbi bin Habibollah, and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, during a recent maritime meeting in the United Kingdom.
The two ministers assessed the current level of cooperation and sought new avenues to deepen bilateral relations in the maritime realm. Chaudhry proposed the establishment of direct feeder shipping lines, connecting Pakistan with Malaysia and extending the network to Indonesia. This initiative aims to reduce transportation times, lower freight costs, and improve trade efficiency. The proposed feeder links are particularly advantageous for bolstering Pakistan’s rice exports to Southeast Asia and facilitating the import of edible oil from Malaysia and Indonesia, aligning with Pakistan’s strategy to enhance maritime connectivity with ASEAN economies, where demand for agricultural products is increasing.
From Malaysia’s perspective, this initiative offers a chance to expand its maritime training network and enhance regional logistics integration, coinciding with its transport sector modernization efforts. Chaudhry also suggested a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on seafarer training and cadet exchange programs. This MoU would allow Pakistan to send marine cadets to Malaysian academies for training, while Malaysian cadets would receive specialized instruction in Pakistan. The exchange is expected to promote the professional development of young seafarers in both countries, thus fostering long-term maritime cooperation.
Moreover, Chaudhry extended an invitation for Malaysia to utilize Pakistan’s digital port solutions, such as the Pakistan Single Window platform, which is operational at Karachi Port and Port Qasim. This digital infrastructure is being promoted as a model for enhancing cargo clearance times, increasing trade transparency, and facilitating smoother trade operations.
Both nations are set to engage in technical consultations in the coming weeks to finalize the scope of the MoU, outline the training modules, and establish mechanisms for the cadet exchange program. This collaborative effort signifies a commitment to enhancing maritime relations, fostering professional development in naval training, and improving trade logistics between the two countries.
.webp)
