Terminal operators urged to invest in Energy City, Port Qasim
- Chaudhary reveals plans for an ‘Energy City’ project, featuring bonded storage facilities for multiple energy forms
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry invited on Friday terminal operators to form a consortium and invest in the Energy City, while encouraging them to develop participation mechanism and contribute to establish a multipurpose terminal at Port Qasim.
As per a statement, the minister extended the invitation during a meeting with a six-member delegation of leading terminal operators, headed by Eqan Ali Khan, CEO of FAP Terminal, at his office.
During the meeting, the minister assured the group that the government would take all possible measures to ensure the sustainability and growth of their businesses.
“The delegation urged the minister to play his role to rationalise taxes into a single-digit regime and declare port services an industry akin to telecommunications to foster a more conducive regulatory and investment environment,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the minister acknowledged the critical role of policy consistency and investor confidence in strengthening the maritime sector, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving structural issues and easing business operations at ports.
Moreover, Chaudhary also revealed plans for an “Energy City” project, featuring bonded storage facilities for multiple energy forms.
As per the statement, the minister noted that different potential locations would be identified based on feasibility and suitability for energy storage and related infrastructure.
During the meeting, he also highlighted the recent removal of decades-old containers and pallets, some dating back 50 years, from Karachi Port Trust (KPT) premises to reduce congestion.
“He described the clearance as part of broader efforts to enhance port efficiency and streamline cargo handling.”
The press release said that the meeting ended with a commitment to keep close “coordination between the ministry and private stakeholders, aiming to unlock the maritime sector’s full potential and accelerate blue economy initiatives”.
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