Pakistan and Ethiopia have formally agreed to explore the establishment of a Trilateral Maritime Alliance. This cooperative framework, which is expected to include Djibouti as a key third partner, aims to bridge the logistics gap between South Asia and East Africa while eliminating traditional bottlenecks to create a highly efficient trade route.
The agreement was reached during a high-level working meeting in Islamabad between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and the Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Oumer Hussien. This meeting—the first since the Ambassador assumed his diplomatic assignment—is being described as a major success for Pakistan’s “Look Africa” and “Engage Africa” policies.
The primary objective of the proposed cooperation is to facilitate a structured, reliable, and cost-effective maritime arrangement for landlocked Ethiopia. Minister Junaid Chaudhry explained that Ethiopia could significantly enhance its trade capacity by utilizing the Port of Djibouti through a formal trilateral agreement with Pakistan and Djibouti.
The Minister stated at the time that Pakistan is giving special attention to expanding maritime links with African nations. He pointed out that this framework, initially established between Pakistan, Djibouti, and Ethiopia, would serve as a foundation that could eventually include other countries in the region based on mutual consultation.
Ambassador Dr. Oumer Hussien welcomed the proposed cooperation, noting that such an alliance would transform the economic landscape of the Horn of Africa. The Ambassador also urged that experts from both sides should immediately begin technical consultations to design operational modalities and prepare a practical framework to ensure the seamless movement of cargo.
During the discussion, the recent modernization of Pakistani ports was also highlighted. Minister Chaudhry informed the Ambassador that cargo handling efficiency at Pakistani terminals has increased significantly. He noted that recent performance levels demonstrate an ability to handle volumes in a short period that previously took much longer.
To further streamline this trade connection, the Minister mentioned the “Africa House” initiative. This is a trade facilitation platform designed to give African traders easy access to Pakistani products, including pharmaceuticals and surgical instruments, textiles and garments, fertilizers, rice, and various technological services.
This proposal comes at a time when global trade dynamics are showing significant shifts. By establishing a direct maritime line between the ports of Karachi and Gwadar and the Port of Djibouti, the three countries can drastically reduce shipping times and freight costs.
Market analysts suggest that this step is not just a trade agreement, but a strategic move that enables Pakistan to become a transit hub for East African products entering the Asian market. Conversely, it allows Ethiopia—a fast-growing economy in East Africa—to secure a reliable “Blue Economy” partner through Pakistan.
