Pakistan and Iraq Plan Ferry Service to Boost Trade and Religious Travel

Pakistan and Iraq have reached an agreement to initiate a ferry service linking Umm Qasr Port in Iraq with Gwadar Port in Pakistan. This initiative is expected to enhance maritime cooperation, grow trade volumes, and streamline religious tourism, according to authorities.

The understanding was formalized during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and a delegation from the Iraqi Embassy, which included Deputy Head of Mission Abdulqadir Sulyman Alhimiri, according to a ministry statement.

Chaudhry described the memorandum as the start of a “new chapter” in relations, suggesting that passenger and cargo connections could leverage the increasing economic collaboration and religious tourism. He mentioned Pakistan’s potential to satisfy Iraq’s potassium sulphate needs through a production facility located in the Gwadar Free Zone and requested Baghdad’s backing for Pakistan’s candidacy in the upcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) elections.

The minister suggested increasing Pakistan’s exports of pharmaceuticals, meat products, and rice to Iraq while also increasing Iraqi oil imports to Pakistan. Official figures indicate that Pakistan’s exports to Iraq amounted to $54.29 million in FY24, while imports, primarily consisting of petroleum products, totaled $145.46 million.

Chaudhry stated that the ferry connection would complement similar projects with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, possibly establishing a regional maritime network as part of Pakistan’s blue economy strategy.

Alhimiri expressed strong support for the proposals, highlighting maritime transport as a critical component for future cooperation. Both parties decided to conduct feasibility studies to evaluate investment requirements.

Officials pointed out that over 88,000 Pakistani pilgrims visited Iraq for Ashura last year, demonstrating the potential demand for consistent sea routes catering to both pilgrims and business people.

If implemented, the ferry service has the potential to decrease transportation expenses, optimize logistics, and improve access to wider Asian markets for Iraq while promoting bilateral commerce.