Pakistan, Romania Sign MoU to Boost Maritime Trade Connectivity – SUCH TV

Islamabad: Pakistan and Romania have taken a significant step toward strengthening bilateral economic ties by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on port cooperation.

The agreement was signed between the National Company “Maritime Ports Administration” S.A. Constanța and the Karachi Port Trust during a virtual ceremony.

The MoU was formalized by Mihai Teodorescu, General Manager of Constanța Port Administration, and Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed, Chairman of Karachi Port Trust.

Senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Transport of both countries attended the ceremony, along with ambassadors Dan Stoenescu and Ilyas Mehmood Nizami. Representatives from the Pakistan-Romania Business Council were also present.

The agreement aims to enhance maritime connectivity between Karachi Port and the Port of Constanța on the Black Sea, facilitating smoother trade flows between South Asia and Europe.

It is expected to support Pakistan’s maritime sector and blue economy while strengthening Romania’s position as a key logistical gateway to the European Union.

Constanța Port, one of the largest ports on the Black Sea, provides strategic access to Central and Western Europe via the Danube corridor.

This route enables efficient transport of goods to major European hubs, offering a cost-effective and sustainable logistics solution.

Officials say improved connectivity between the two ports will open new avenues for bilateral trade. Romanian exports—including machinery, industrial equipment, chemicals, and agricultural products—are likely to gain better access to Pakistani and regional markets.

At the same time, Pakistani exports will benefit from more efficient entry points into Europe.

The agreement also establishes a framework for cooperation in port management, training, and exchange of expertise, including the formation of a joint working group.

Romanian Ambassador Dan Stoenescu emphasized that the initiative will help expand Romania’s economic footprint in Asia and contribute to balanced trade growth. He noted that enhanced maritime links will play a vital role in strengthening regional integration and promoting shared prosperity.

Maritime trade remains central to the European Union’s economy, with more than 75 percent of its external trade conducted by sea.

In this context, stronger Pakistan-Romania maritime ties are expected to boost trade under the EU’s GSP+ scheme, supporting economic development and deeper integration into global value chains.