ISLAMABAD: Pakistani seafarers will be able to work on Norwegian-flagged vessels under a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries, the Press Information Department (PID) said in a statement on Tuesday.
The MoU was signed between Pakistan’s Ambassador to Norway Saadia Altaf Qazi and Norway’s Director General Shipping and Navigation Alf Tore Sørheim, the statement said.
The agreement provides recognition of training and certification for Pakistani seafarers, enabling them to work on vessels registered under the Norwegian flag, the PID added.
“This MoU will open new avenues for our seafarers, allowing them not only to secure employment on international vessels but also to gain exposure to advanced maritime practices,” the PID quoted Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry as saying.
Chaudhry said the MoU would boost employment opportunities for Pakistani seafarers and further strengthen maritime cooperation between the two countries.
The PID said that this was the first agreement of its kind between Pakistan and Norway, reflecting Islamabad’s growing maritime ties and alignment with international standards to boost global employability.
Chaudhry said Pakistan had long sought such an agreement to enable its seafarers to earn foreign remittances.
“Access to vessels from Norway, a leading maritime nation, promises higher earnings and professional growth,” he said.
The minister added that Pakistan was committed to upgrading its maritime training to further integrate the country’s workforce into international shipping.
