Gwadar at Centre of Pakistan-Uzbekistan Blue Economy Collaboration
Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to establish a joint working group to strengthen maritime ties and unlock the vast potential of the blue economy. This move is designed to boost green shipping, promote regional connectivity, and create a viable trans-regional trade corridor linking Central Asia with the Arabian Sea.
During a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev, both parties underscored the importance of sustainable maritime linkages for mutual economic growth. The minister highlighted Gwadar and Karachi as strategic ports offering Uzbekistan cost-effective access to global trade routes.
P.c. Associated Press of Pakistan
The discussions focused on joint ventures in marine fisheries, aquaculture, seafood processing, and coastal tourism—sectors positioned to attract high returns from Gulf, African, and Southeast Asian markets. A proposal to link Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan’s dry ports with Pakistan’s seaports via integrated road and rail was floated, potentially unlocking $20 billion in trade.
The meeting also examined integrated logistics frameworks, including bonded warehouses, smart port infrastructure, and multimodal transport systems. These were recognised as essential enablers for cross-border trade efficiency. Synergies with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were also emphasised, highlighting the route's role in connecting Uzbekistan to a $6 trillion regional market.
Minister Chaudhry invited Uzbekistan to explore investment in Pakistan’s port industries, shipbuilding, and renewable ocean energy projects. A trilateral collaboration between Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan was also proposed to establish overland links to Gwadar Port as a maritime hub for Central Asia.
Ambassador Tukhtaev expressed a strong desire to initiate joint ventures in seafood, particularly in fisheries production. He proposed dedicating an off-dock terminal in Pakistan exclusively for Uzbek trade operations. He also announced that a business delegation from Uzbekistan would soon visit Karachi to explore port infrastructure and operations, particularly those linked to the Marine Fisheries Department.
This partnership marks a new chapter in Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations, paving the way for long-term cooperation across maritime sectors and accelerating regional integration through ocean-based development.