ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Rwanda have discussed a proposal to link Karachi Port with East African exports through a direct maritime corridor to Djibouti and Mombasa to bolster regional and global trade, the Maritime Affairs Ministry said on Tuesday.
The development came during a meeting between Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Rwandan Ambassador Hararimana Fatou in Islamabad.
Pakistan’s position on the Arabian Sea already gives it a strategic advantage in linking Gulf energy exporters with China and Central Asia. As regional trade and shipping routes expand, Islamabad seeks to position its ports as key hubs in new transport corridors.
“Direct maritime corridor to Djibouti and Mombasa is required,” the Maritime Affairs Ministry quoted Chaudhry as saying.
“The new shipping line is expected to reduce time and cost significantly,” he continued. “Pakistan [also] wants to make Gwadar an export hub for African trade.”
