Iraq has proposed to establish a maritime link between its southern port city of Bassra and the Pakistan shopping center, Karachi, as part of a broader effort to strengthen trade and logistics between the two nations, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) announced on Wednesday.
The proposal was presented by the Iraqi Consul General, Maher Mjhid Jejan, during a visit to the KCCI office, where he met with main representatives to discuss means to improve bilateral business links.
“A maritime link between Bassra and Karachi could play a key role in bringing the commercial communities together of the two countries,” KCCI said in an official statement. “This connection could improve logistics and strengthen commercial roads.”
The proposal comes at a time when Pakistan and Iraq experienced a significant increase in bilateral commitment, in particular at the ministerial level. In recent years, the two countries have launched dialogues on improving defense cooperation, control against terrorism, intelligence sharing and orders.
Pakistan, faced with economic -contrary winds, has increased efforts to deepen trade and investment links with regional allies. The government is actively promoting partnerships in key sectors as part of its strategy aimed at attracting foreign investments and stimulating sustainable economic growth.
Jejan informed KCCI officials about new Iraqi investment laws, specifically designed to attract foreign investors. He assured the House that these legislative changes would be shared with the Pakistani stakeholders to help them better understand and take advantage of emerging opportunities in Iraq.
Recognizing the quality of Pakistani exports, the Iraqi diplomat encouraged greater participation of Pakistani exporters and investors in the growing market of his country. He noted that Iraq is experiencing rapid development and offers “immense potential” for trade and investment, inviting Pakistani business leaders to visit Iraq and attend a “peaceful and stable environment”.
During the meeting, the main vice-president of the KCCI, ZIA UL ARFEEN, shared commercial figures, noting that Pakistan exports to Iraq amounted to $ 54.29 million during the year 2024, while Iraq imports totaled $ 145.46 million. He described this volume as being considerably lower than the true potential, urging both parties to simplify customs procedures, improve the ease of doing business and diversifying commercial goods and services.
Arfeen has also launched the idea of ​​establishing an oil pipeline between Bassra and the southwest of the port city of Pakistan in Gwadar, suggesting that this could serve as a critical commercial corridor for Iraq, facilitating access to broader Asian markets.
