Islamabad: Pakistani seafarers will soon have the opportunity to work on Norwegian-flagged ships, thanks to a new memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries. The agreement, welcomed by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, is expected to enhance employment prospects and foster maritime collaboration.

According to Press Information Department, the MoU was signed by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Norway Saadia Altaf Qazi and Director General Shipping and Navigation Alf Tore Sørheim. It acknowledges the training and certification of Pakistani seafarers, allowing them to serve on ships registered under the Norwegian flag. Minister Chaudhry noted that this development will not only create job opportunities but also expose Pakistani maritime workers to advanced international practices.

This agreement is the first of its kind between Pakistan and Norway, highlighting the strengthening ties in the maritime sector. It ensures that Pakistani qualifications meet international standards, thereby improving global employability for the country’s seafarers. Minister Chaudhry emphasized that this initiative aligns with Pakistan’s efforts to increase foreign remittances through its seafaring workforce.

The government is also focused on upgrading maritime training institutions and adhering to international conventions to better integrate Pakistani workers into the global shipping industry, Chaudhry stated.