Iraq’s Consul General in Karachi, Maher Mjhid Jejan, has proposed the establishment of a direct sea link between Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi and the Iraqi port city of Basra to enhance logistics and strengthen bilateral trade routes, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) announced on Wednesday.
The proposal comes amid growing diplomatic and economic engagement between Pakistan and Iraq, marked by a series of high-level exchanges in recent years. Both countries have explored closer cooperation in defense, counterterrorism, counternarcotics, and intelligence sharing. More recently, Pakistan has ramped up efforts to deepen trade and investment ties with regional partners in pursuit of sustainable economic growth.
During his visit to the KCCI office, Jejan met with the Chamber’s leadership to discuss ways to improve commercial cooperation and encourage mutual investment.
“He proposed that a sea link between Basra and Karachi could play a key role in bringing the business communities of both countries closer,” the KCCI said in a statement. “Such a connection would not only streamline logistics but also strengthen regional trade routes.”
Jejan informed the KCCI that Iraq has enacted new investment-friendly laws aimed at attracting foreign capital. These regulations will be shared with Pakistani business leaders to help them better understand the emerging opportunities in the Iraqi market.
Recognizing the quality of Pakistani products, Jejan expressed optimism that Pakistani exporters and investors would take a more active interest in Iraq’s growing economy. He described Iraq as a country undergoing rapid development and invited Pakistani business delegations to visit and experience the “peaceful and stable environment” firsthand.
KCCI Senior Vice President Zia ul Arfeen noted that Pakistan’s exports to Iraq reached $54.29 million in FY24, while imports from Iraq stood at $145.46 million. He highlighted that this trade volume falls short of the true potential and stressed the need to ease customs procedures, improve the business climate, and diversify trade offerings between the two countries.
Arfeen also floated the idea of establishing an oil pipeline from Basra to Pakistan’s southwestern port of Gwadar, which could serve as a strategic trade corridor and provide Iraq with access to broader Asian markets.