Karachi, April 9, 2026: Atif Farooqi, Advisor and Chief Operating Officer of the Pakistan Romania Business Council, met with Shahid Ahmed, Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-e-Basalat, at the Karachi Port Trust headquarters to discuss advancing maritime collaboration between Pakistan and Romania.
During the meeting, Mr. Farooqi extended an official invitation on behalf of the authorities of the Port of Constanța to the Chairman and Secretary of KPT to visit Romania, marking the next step in implementing the newly signed port cooperation framework.
This high-level engagement follows the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KPT and the Port of Constanța on March 31, 2026. The MoU aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, trade connectivity, and economic relations, linking Pakistan’s principal port with the largest port on the Black Sea. The initiative was envisioned by Dan Stoenescu, highlighting a new trade route between South Asia and Europe.
Mr. Sohail Shamim Firpo, Chairman of the Pakistan Romania Business Council, was also present during the discussion.
Speaking at the meeting, Atif Farooqi lauded Ambassador Dr. Dan Stoenescu’s leadership, stating: “H.E. Dr. Dan Stoenescu has played an instrumental role in conceiving and executing this initiative. His vision to connect Pakistan and Romania through their key ports has set the stage for a new era of bilateral trade and friendship.”
In response, Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed praised the efforts of the Romanian Ambassador’s team and PRBC officials, including Mr. Farooqi and Mr. Firpo, noting: “We value their proactive efforts in strengthening this strategic cooperation with Romania. The relationship between KPT and the Port of Constanța will open broader avenues for economic progress and regional connectivity.”
The collaboration is expected to enhance logistical linkages, improve port efficiency, and attract new investment opportunities, positioning both Karachi and Constanța as key gateways for maritime trade between Asia and Europe.
