ISLAMABAD, Oct 07 (APP): A trade delegation of the Pakistan–Romania Business Council (PRBC) met the leadership of Constanta Port on Tuesday to discuss ways to expand bilateral trade, improve maritime connectivity and promote commercial cooperation between Pakistan and Romania.
The meeting was held in Constanta, Romania, where the delegation met Costin Avatavului, Deputy General Manager of Maritime Ports Administration S.A., Constanta. The visit was facilitated by the Embassy of Romania in Islamabad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, said a release issued here.
The delegation was led by Atif Farooqi, Head of Delegation, Advisor and Chief Operating Officer of PRBC, and Honorary Consul-Designate of Romania in Sindh. Discussions focused on building practical business links through the ports of Karachi and Constan?a and creating new opportunities for companies in both countries.
The visit followed the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Karachi Port Trust and the Port of Constanta. The agreement provides a framework for institutional cooperation, exchange of knowledge and trade facilitation between the two ports. During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to convert this framework into business opportunities and increased commercial activity.
The delegation acknowledged the role of Romania’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Dan Stoenescu, in supporting economic cooperation between the two countries and encouraging closer collaboration between the ports. Participants noted that his efforts have helped bring together public institutions and business representatives to support maritime links and commercial exchanges.
The meeting also explored how cooperation between the two ports could support exporters, importers, shipping companies and logistics providers. The delegation stressed the importance of clear communication and coordinated follow-up to help businesses develop trade opportunities.
PRBC expressed its interest in facilitating business introductions, identifying cargo opportunities and connecting Pakistani companies with Romanian partners. Areas discussed for future cooperation included textiles and home textiles, food products, cereals, wood, machinery and other cargo sectors represented within the delegation.
Atif Farooqi said PRBC aims to serve as a link between businesses in Pakistan and Romania by helping companies find partners and understand the requirements of cross-border trade. The delegation also highlighted the importance of dependable shipping routes, competitive logistics services and effective distribution networks.
PRBC further proposed identifying a limited number of pilot shipments that could be developed according to market demand, operational requirements and commercial feasibility.
The delegation thanked Costin Avatavului and the Maritime Ports Administration team for hosting the meeting and exchanged views on expanding maritime and business cooperation. It also appreciated the support of the Embassy of Romania in Islamabad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania in arranging the visit.
The meeting reflected the shared commitment of both sides to build on the Karachi–Constanta agreement, strengthen institutional ties and create practical opportunities for trade between Pakistan and Romania.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
