Abdul Rasheed Azad

ISLAMABAD: Iraq has informed Pakistan that it was ready to welcome a ferry service between Umm Qassar Port of Iraq and Gwadar Port of Pakistan aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and exploring new sea routes.

During a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and a three-member delegation from the Iraqi Embassy in Islamabad, led by Deputy Head of Mission Abdulqadir Sulyman Alhimiri here on Wednesday, Iraq has also shown interest in importing Pakistani rice owing to the best quality.

The Iraqi delegation said that by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the start of a ferry service between the two countries will not only facilitate pilgrimages but also provide safe and secure travel to other tourists.

Official sources told Business Recorder that the government of Oman in principle has agreed with Pakistan on the start of a ferry service between the two nations from Gwadar port.

Chaudhry described it as “a new chapter” in bilateral relations, emphasising that maritime passenger and cargo links could build on expanding economic ties and religious travel between the two countries. The federal minister highlighted that Pakistan can meet Iraq’s Potassium Sulphate needs, as a manufacturing facility already exists in the Gwadar free zone. He also sought Iraq’s support ahead of Pakistan’s planned participation in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) elections, receiving assurance of backing from the deputy mission head.

The IMO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating international shipping. Its primary purpose is to ensure the safety, security, and environmental sustainability of global maritime transport. “The ferry connection can leverage our shared cultural and religious bonds while unlocking new business opportunities,” the minister said, underscoring the potential for increased port activity and supply chain expansion under Pakistan’s blue economy strategy.

The initiative to enhance maritime connectivity comes amid growing cross-border religious travel as in 2024, over 88,000 Pakistani pilgrims visited Iraq for the Ashura observance, a number, both countries view as a strong foundation for establishing regular sea links catering to both pilgrims and traders.

Minister Chaudhry informed the delegation that Pakistan is also working to set up ferry routes with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and a similar arrangement with Iraq could complement these plans, fostering a regional maritime network that meets both economic and strategic goals.

The minister proposed expanding goods trade by boosting Pakistani exports of medicines, meat and rice to Iraq, while increasing Iraqi oil imports into Pakistan, which could help elevate bilateral trade well beyond current levels. Data for the fiscal year 2024 show Pakistan’s exports to Iraq totalled $54.29 million, while imports from Iraq primarily petroleum products amounted to $145.46 million. Analysts note these figures are modest considering the market sizes and mutual interests of both nations.

Iraqi Deputy Head of Mission, Abdulqadir Sulyman Alhimiri expressed strong support for the minister’s proposals, calling the maritime sector a “key enabler” for future collaboration.

Published Date: August 7, 2025