Karachi, November 3, 2025: Pakistan and Romania are set to strengthen their maritime and trade relations as both sides move closer to signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Port of Karachi and the Port of Constanța — a major step toward enhancing regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
The development came during a meeting between Romania’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Dan Stoenescu, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairman Mr. Ateeq-ur-Rehman at the KPT Board. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Pakistan International Maritime Exhibition and Conference (PIMEC 2025) in Karachi.
According to details, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen maritime collaboration, recognizing the Port of Constanța as a key Black Sea gateway to Europe and the Port of Karachi as a vital maritime hub for South Asia and the Middle East.
The forthcoming MoU will serve as a framework for long-term cooperation, covering port management, infrastructure development, digital logistics, and trade route facilitation between Europe, Central Asia, and South Asia via the Black Sea and the Arabian Sea. It will also promote joint initiatives on sustainability, green port technologies, and modern cargo handling systems.
Both parties underlined the importance of upgrading port logistics and operations through smart port technologies and efficient customs systems. Romania’s experience in multimodal transport — linking sea, rail, and road — was cited as a model for enhancing Karachi Port’s integration into global supply chains.
The meeting also highlighted training and capacity-building opportunities, including proposed exchange programs for KPT officials with Romanian counterparts to strengthen expertise in port management, maritime safety, environmental standards, and digital logistics.
Private sector participation and joint ventures were identified as crucial to expanding trade and investment opportunities. Enhanced port cooperation, officials said, could open new trade corridors connecting South Asia, Europe, and Central Asia.
Ambassador Dan Stoenescu reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to building long-term economic and diplomatic ties with Pakistan, calling maritime collaboration between Constanța and Karachi “a practical step toward connecting our two regions through commerce, innovation, and friendship.”
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their resolve to finalize the MoU soon and to broaden cooperation into areas such as education, culture, and economic development, reflecting the growing partnership between Pakistan and Romania.
