Pakistan Offers Oman Use of Gwadar and Karachi Ports for Central Asian Markets Access

Pakistan has extended an invitation to Oman to utilize its Gwadar and Karachi ports as gateways to emerging Central Asian economies. The proposal came during strategic talks between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal and Omani Commerce Minister Qais Al Yousif in Muscat this week, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce in Islamabad. Both ministers explored avenues to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations while acknowledging the need for improved transportation links. They reached consensus on leveraging Pakistan’s geographic position as a vital trade corridor to Central Asian nations. “Oman can benefit from Pakistan’s expertise, knowhow, and industrial and commercial prowess to achieve the economic diversification goals outlined in Vision 2040,” Kamal stated, referring to Oman’s long-term development and reform strategy. The Pakistani delegation emphasized the strategic importance of Gwadar and Karachi ports as regional trade hubs that could provide Oman with enhanced access to untapped markets, reported Dawn. Discussions centered on developing sector-specific cooperation in textiles, small and medium enterprises, agriculture, food security, and manufacturing. Both ministers underscored the value of industrial collaboration, joint ventures, and agricultural trade in building sustainable supply chains between the two nations. Pakistan also encouraged Omani investors to explore opportunities in its industrial and manufacturing sectors. Responding to Pakistan’s proposals, Al Yousif acknowledged the country’s strategic importance in regional commerce. “Historical ties and geographic proximity render Pakistan the most effective trade route to Central Asian states,” he noted, expressing Oman’s interest in deepening economic partnerships with Pakistan across key sectors. The high-level meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to collaborative economic initiatives and a shared vision for exploring new avenues of mutual growth. The Omani delegation included Saleh Said Misan, Ibtisam Ahmed Al Farougi, Rashid Said Rashdi, Khalid Ali Al Habsi and Suhaib Amir Al Sawafi, while Ambassador Syed Naveed Safdar Bokhari, Ishrat Bhatti and Talha Khan represented Pakistan alongside Minister Kamal.