Pakistan and Iraq aim to boost trade and religious tourism via a ferry service agreement
New Ferry Service Between Pakistan and Iraq to Boost Trade and Regional Connectivity
A landmark agreement has been reached to launch a ferry service between Umm Qasr, Iraq, and Gwadar, Pakistan. This new maritime link is set to significantly boost bilateral trade, enhance regional connectivity, and stimulate economic activity between the two countries [1][3][5].
The ferry service, the first of its kind for Pakistan, has been licensed to international operator Sea Keepers. This initiative marks a new chapter in Pakistan-Iraq relations, leveraging their shared cultural-religious bonds while fostering economic growth and regional maritime cooperation [1][3][5].
Pakistan's Maritime Affairs Minister, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, emphasized that the ferry service could build on expanding economic ties and religious travel between the two countries. He proposed elevating bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iraq well beyond current levels [5].
The minister also highlighted the potential for the expanded supply chain under Pakistan's blue economy strategy. The direct cargo links enabled by the ferry will allow Pakistan to export goods such as potassium sulphate to Iraq, with Gwadar’s Free Zone supporting manufacturing and trade activities [1].
This new route offers a safer, efficient, and affordable transit for the one million Pakistani pilgrims who visit Iraq annually for religious observances like Arbaeen. It also fosters cultural exchange and tourism-related commerce [3][5].
The ferry service creates a direct maritime corridor, complementing Pakistan’s recent establishment of international ferry services to Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It enhances Pakistan-Iraq connectivity and integrates these with broader regional trade and transport networks [1][5].
Increased port activities at Gwadar and Umm Qasr are anticipated due to this service, promoting the development of the blue economy and related logistics infrastructure. It also opens new business opportunities linked to maritime passenger and cargo movement [3][5].
The proposed ferry link is seen as a vital corridor to access broader Asian markets for Iraq. The Iraqi delegation, led by Alhimiri, expressed "strong support" for the minister's proposals. Alhimiri called the maritime sector a "key enabler" for future collaboration between Pakistan and Iraq [4].
The ferry service has the potential for increased port activity and expansion of the supply chain under Pakistan's blue economy strategy. The agreement to launch the ferry service was reached in a meeting between Pakistan's Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and a delegation from the Iraqi Embassy in Islamabad [2].
Similar arrangements with Iraq could complement these plans, fostering a regional maritime network. The minister proposed expanding goods trade by boosting Pakistani exports of medicines, meat, and rice to Iraq, while increasing Iraqi oil imports into Pakistan [1].
This new ferry service is expected to reduce transportation costs, improve logistics, and significantly boost bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iraq. It is a significant step towards strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two countries [1][3][5].
[1] Dawn.com, 2023. "New Ferry Service Between Pakistan and Iraq to Boost Trade, Enhance Connectivity." Accessed 10 April 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1703164
[2] The Express Tribune, 2023. "Pakistan, Iraq Sign MoU to Launch Ferry Service Between Umm Qasr and Gwadar." Accessed 10 April 2023. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2348659/pakistan-iraq-sign-mou-to-launch-ferry-service-between-umm-qasr-and-gwadar
[3] The News International, 2023. "New Ferry Service Between Pakistan and Iraq to Boost Religious Tourism." Accessed 10 April 2023. https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/811039-new-ferry-service-between-pakistan-and-iraq-to-boost-religious-tourism
[4] Arab News, 2023. "Iraqi Official Expresses 'Strong Support' for Pakistan's Plans to Boost Trade." Accessed 10 April 2023. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1987691/business-economy
[5] The Business Recorder, 2023. "Pakistan-Iraq Ferry Service Set to Boost Trade, Regional Connectivity." Accessed 10 April 2023. https://www.brecorder.com/news/382251-pakistan-iraq-ferry-service-set-to-boost-trade-regional-connectivity
- The new ferry service between Pakistan and Iraq could stimulate economic growth not only in trade but also in the art and culture sector, as increased connectivity often fosters stronger artistic exchange and tourism-related commerce.
- The enhanced regional maritime cooperation resulting from the launch of the ferry service could have implications for the sports and sports business industries, potentially opening up new avenues for partnerships and sponsorships in this new maritime corridor.
- The increased economic activity and activity at ports like Gwadar and Umm Qasr, facilitated by the ferry service, could encourage growth in the travel sector, particularly in terms of establishing Pakistan and Iraq as transit hubs for regional and even international travel.
