Pakistan and Belgium have agreed to strengthen coordination between their maritime institutions and explore student training and exchange programmes.
The understanding emerged during a meeting at the ministry on Wednesday. Belgian Ambassador Idesbald Van der Gracht met Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.
The two officials reviewed possible cooperation in maritime education, institutional partnerships, port development and the wider blue economy. They also agreed to identify practical areas where maritime organisations from both countries could work together.
Student exchange and maritime education
Chaudhry said Pakistan was upgrading the Pakistan Marine Academy into a degree-awarding institution. He added that the government had completed most of the required work.
In July, the government sent the prime minister a summary for in-principle approval after completing consultations and procedural requirements. The plan also includes discussions with international maritime institutions on dual-degree programmes for Pakistani cadets.
“The initiative aims to enhance academic standards, strengthen international collaboration, equip cadets with globally recognised qualifications, and improve career opportunities in the maritime sector,” Chaudhry said in July.
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During Wednesday’s meeting, the minister said Pakistani students could benefit from education and training at Belgian maritime institutions. The proposed exchange would allow students from both countries to share experience, technical knowledge and institutional expertise.
Chaudhry said the two countries had considerable potential for cooperation in the marine sector. Sharing professional expertise could also support the development of their respective blue economies, he added.
Port Qasim projects discussed
The meeting also covered Pakistan’s plans to expand and modernise its port infrastructure. Chaudhry said the government wanted to attract more transshipment activity and enlarge the commercial and industrial capacity surrounding its ports.
Planned projects at Port Qasim include a multipurpose terminal, an automobile processing zone and a garment zone. The automobile project will include vehicle refurbishment facilities. The garment zone will support an industrial park within the Port Qasim Authority area.
Pakistan announced the automobile zone in August as a 150-acre development containing 264 units. These include refurbishment workshops, car display sites, spare-parts facilities, commercial units and machinery yards.
The government also plans an Energy City offering storage facilities for oil-producing countries. The proposed infrastructure would handle white oil, crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas.
At Karachi Port Trust, authorities are working on new on-dock and off-dock terminals to improve cargo handling and logistics capacity.
Gwadar connectivity and blue economy
Chaudhry said Pakistan wanted to connect Gwadar Port more closely with Central Asian countries. Stronger links could create new trade and transit opportunities for regional economies.
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He said Pakistan’s geographical position and expanding maritime infrastructure offered opportunities for international cooperation in shipping, logistics, port services and maritime education.
Van der Gracht and Chaudhry expressed their intention to strengthen institutional contacts and continue discussions on workable partnerships between the two maritime sectors
