Pakistan, Oman Strengthen Maritime Ties with New Ferry Link Initiative

Pakistan and the Sultanate of Oman discussed to strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation to accelerate the launch of a ferry service, share marine expertise, and enhance trade in the maritime sector.

During the discussion, both sides acknowledged the deep-rooted diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations between Pakistan and Oman. Emphasis was placed on the urgent need to boost maritime trade and connectivity.

The Federal Minister highlighted that Pakistan’s exports to Oman through ports stood at approximately $224 million in 2024 and stressed the importance of scaling up this figure through joint initiatives and improved infrastructure.

Minister Junaid Chaudhry underscored the economic potential of launching a direct ferry service from Gwadar to Oman, projecting multi-billion-dollar benefits in trade expansion, investment inflows, and transit revenue.

He stated that Pakistan stands to earn an estimated $10–15 billion annually through Gwadar’s maritime operations, while Oman could establish a maritime corridor to South and Central Asia, significantly enhancing its regional connectivity.

The Minister called on Oman’s support to expedite the ferry service launch, which would not only facilitate trade and logistics but also promote regional tourism and people-to-people exchanges.