Oman Seeks Access to Pakistan’s Karachi and Gwadar Ports for Trade with Central Asia
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has extended an invitation to Oman to utilise the Karachi and Gwadar ports to enhance its access to Central Asian markets. This was proposed during the high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Commerce Minister, Jam Kamal, and Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Qais Al Yousif, conducted in Muscat this week.
The official Pakistani Ministry of Commerce statement emphasized the two sides’ talks regarding the enhancement of trade and investment between the two nations. The two ministers concurred that enhancing transport connectivity and utilizing Pakistan as a conduit to Central Asia is crucial to future development.
Pakistan’s Commercethe regional significance of Karachi and Gwadar as transshipment ports of regional trade importance, facilitating better access of Oman to emerging markets. They further touched upon cooperation in sector-wise areas such as textiles, agriculture, SMEs, food security, and industry.
Strengthening Trade and Investment
During the negotiations, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal invited Oman to investigate potential areas of investment in Pakistan’s manufacturing and industrial base. He asserted Pakistan’s industrial skills and favorable business climate, observing that Oman would benefit from these assets to realize its Vision 2040 development aspirations.
Economic Cooperation for Mutual Development
Minister Qais Al Yousif recognized Pakistan’s strategic position as a trade route to Central Asia because of its historical connection and geographical location. He reiterated Oman’s interest in strengthening economic relations with Pakistan to increase trade and investment.
The two ministers reaffirmed their determination to strengthen their economic partnership, increasing mutual opportunities for growth and broadening cooperation in strategic sectors.
It was joined by senior representatives from the two nations, Omani, such as delegates Saleh Said Misan, Ibtisam Ahmed Al Farougi, Rashid Said Rashdi, Khalid Ali Al Habsi, and Suhaib Amir Al Sawafi, and Pakistani officials like Ambassador Syed Naveed Safdar Bokhari, Ishrat Bhatti, and Talha Khan.
