Islamabad: Pakistan and Malaysia are exploring a new cooperation framework to expand maritime training and deepen port-sector collaboration. The initiative follows a high-level meeting between Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Hasbi bin Habibollah, and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, held on the sidelines of maritime engagements in the United Kingdom.
MoU on Seafarer Training and Cadet Exchange
Junaid Chaudhry proposed signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance seafarer training and facilitate the exchange of marine cadets. Under the plan, Pakistan would send cadets to Malaysian academies, while Malaysia would send its cadets to Pakistan for specialized training programs.
“This exchange will contribute to the professional development of young seafarers in both countries and strengthen long-term cooperation in the maritime sector,” the minister said.
Pakistan Offers Digital Port Solutions
The minister also offered Malaysia access to Pakistan’s expertise in digital port solutions, including the Pakistan Single Window platform now operational at Karachi Port and Port Qasim. Islamabad has promoted its digital-trade infrastructure as a model for reducing cargo-clearance times, improving transparency, and enhancing trade facilitation.
Proposal for Direct Feeder Shipping Lines
Beyond training and digitalisation, Junaid Chaudhry proposed establishing direct feeder shipping lines between Pakistan and Malaysia, with onward connectivity to Indonesia. He said the initiative would cut transport durations and reduce freight costs.
The minister observed that feeder links could boost Pakistan’s rice exports to Southeast Asia while streamlining edible oil imports from Malaysia and Indonesia. He added that the proposal aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy to strengthen maritime connectivity with ASEAN economies, where demand for Pakistani agricultural products is rising.
Malaysia’s Perspective on Regional Integration
For Malaysia, the initiative offers an opportunity to broaden its maritime training network and enhance regional logistics integration as part of its transport-sector modernization agenda.
Next Steps in Bilateral Cooperation
Both sides agreed to hold further technical consultations in the coming weeks to finalize the MoU’s scope, define training modules, and establish mechanisms for implementing the cadet-exchange program.
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