Pakistan, July 25 -- Pakistan on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China's Shandong Xinxu Group to deepen cooperation in ship leasing, sales and crew management, marking what officials described as a "new chapter" in maritime collaboration between the two countries.

The agreement between the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and the Chinese firm is part of Islamabad's broader push to modernize its shipping industry to enhance seaborne trade, Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said during the signing ceremony in Islamabad. "This agreement marks the beginning of joint development," Chaudhry said. "It will strengthen Pakistan's role in the growth of the shipping industry and create an...