By:The World Ambassador

TWA

________

Karachi, — The Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan, Dr. Dan Stoenescu, held a productive meeting with Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Chairman of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Ateeq-ur-Rehman at the KPT Board on the sidelines of the Pakistan International Maritime Exhibition and Conference (PIMEC 2025). The discussions focused on expanding bilateral maritime and trade cooperation between Pakistan and Romania.

Both sides emphasized the importance of a stronger maritime partnership, acknowledging their strategic locations — Romania’s Port of Constanța as a vital Black Sea gateway to Europe and Pakistan’s Port of Karachi as a key hub for South Asia and the Middle East. The talks centered on enhancing port operations, trade facilitation, and logistics cooperation, with an aim to promote regional connectivity and mutual economic growth.

A key focus of the meeting was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Port of Constanța and the Port of Karachi, which has already been negotiated and is expected to be signed soon. The MoU will establish a framework for long-term collaboration, enabling exchange of expertise in port management, infrastructure development, digital logistics, and technical innovation, while fostering trade routes linking Europe, Central Asia, and South Asia. The agreement also envisions joint initiatives on sustainability, green port technologies, and efficient cargo handling systems.

The meeting also explored opportunities for enhancing port logistics and infrastructure, integrating smart port technologies, and streamlining customs and shipping procedures to boost efficiency. Romania’s experience with multimodal transport — combining sea, rail, and road connectivity — was discussed as a potential model for Karachi Port’s integration with global supply chains.

Human resource development emerged as another key theme. Both sides agreed on the importance of training and exchange programs for KPT officials and technical staff in areas such as port management, maritime safety, environmental protection, and digital logistics systems. This initiative aims to build a skilled workforce capable of managing next-generation port operations.

The meeting also highlighted opportunities for private sector engagement, investment in port infrastructure, and joint ventures to expand trade between the two nations. Enhanced port cooperation is expected to open new trade corridors between South Asia, Europe, and Central Asia, increasing Pakistan’s prominence in global maritime trade and strengthening Romania’s access to Asian markets.

Ambassador Dr. Dan Stoenescu reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to sustainable economic and diplomatic engagement with Pakistan, stating that the partnership between Constanța and Karachi ports represents “a practical step toward connecting our two regions through commerce, innovation, and friendship.”

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their intent to finalize the MoU and to continue deepening collaboration not only in the maritime sector, but also across economic, educational, and cultural fields. The dialogue reflected the growing strength of Pakistan–Romania relations, built on shared goals of prosperity, connectivity, and mutual trust.