Pakistan, Kuwait Move Toward Direct Shipping Line to Boost Regional Trade

Kuwait City — Pakistan and Kuwait are making significant strides toward enhancing regional connectivity through the launch of a direct maritime shipping line linking Pakistan’s Gwadar Port with Kuwait’s Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, according to Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Zafar Iqbal.

In an Talk with Different Media, Dr. Zafar Iqbal revealed that formal negotiations are ongoing between the two governments. The project, once operational, is expected to dramatically lower freight costs and transit times, making Kuwait a central logistics gateway in the Gulf.

Dr. Iqbal emphasized that the shipping corridor is just one element of a broader initiative to deepen Pakistan-Kuwait trade relations. He highlighted active collaboration in logistics, food security, and supply chain diversification, driven by Pakistan’s rich resources in agriculture, mining, and industry.

Between July 2024 and June 2025, Pakistan’s exports to Kuwait totaled USD 193 million, while imports from Kuwait—mostly petroleum products and industrial chemicals—exceeded USD 1.5 billion.

The ambassador noted that over 100,000 Pakistani nationals live in Kuwait, contributing significantly across sectors such as healthcare, construction, education, and services. He expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s continued support and hospitality toward the Pakistani diaspora.

Dr. Zafar Iqbal reaffirmed the solid foundation of Pakistan-Kuwait diplomatic relations, which are grounded in mutual respect, Islamic values, and political alignment. The two countries are closely engaged on issues of regional stability, with regular interactions at the leadership level.

He pointed out ongoing cooperation in areas like counter-terrorism, human trafficking prevention, and intelligence sharing. Kuwait’s active role in promoting Gulf unity and regional peace has received strong backing from Pakistan.

Pakistan currently exports a diverse mix of products to Kuwait, including rice, vegetables, pulses, halal meat, surgical goods, textiles, and leather products. Islamabad is exploring new avenues such as live animal exports and expanding halal-certified food supply chains.

Kuwaiti investment in Pakistan spans energy, fintech, infrastructure, and technology, while Pakistani businesses have carved out a niche in Kuwait’s retail, food services, and SME sectors.

Dr. Zafar Iqbal also highlighted Pakistan’s establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC)—a centralized body designed to fast-track foreign investments through a one-window operation.

The ambassador spoke of growing collaboration between universities in both nations, particularly in the fields of medicine, engineering, technology, and scientific research. He also mentioned recent efforts to celebrate Pakistani language, literature, and arts through cultural events in Kuwait.

Reiterating Pakistan’s long-held position on the Palestinian issue, Dr. Iqbal stressed support for an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, and praised Kuwait’s principled stance in backing the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Zafar Iqbal voiced confidence in the future of Pakistan-Kuwait strategic partnership, identifying key sectors for joint growth: education, health, energy, security, trade, and human capital development.

He extended heartfelt best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti leadership, and the people of Kuwait, reaffirming that Pakistan considers Kuwait a “brotherly nation, strategic ally, and trusted development partner.”

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