UAE’s AD Ports Group sets up Pakistan logistics JV, takes majority control

AD Ports Group, a UAE-based logistics company, announced the formation of a new joint venture (JV) with CEI Supply Chain Private Limited, a Pakistani logistics service provider, to develop an asset-light network delivery system.

Under terms of the agreement, AD Ports Group will acquire a 51% majority shareholding in the new entity, further solidifying its presence in Pakistan, a key South Asian market and gateway to the Group’s Central Asia corridor, read a statement.

The new company will leverage CEI’s operational footprint in Pakistan, which includes key offices in Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Islamabad. By integrating these local capabilities with AD Ports Group’s global reach, the JV aims to capture a significant share of the market, particularly in high-growth verticals such as automotive, retail, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and energy.

The new joint venture will be consolidated into AD Ports Group starting in Q1 2026.

“Pakistan is a vital trade gateway for the region, and today’s agreement is a natural evolution of our presence,” said Abdulaziz Zayed Al Shamsi, Regional CEO - AD Ports Group.

“Having secured key port infrastructure and initiated capacity upgrades, we are now entering the hinterland to offer fully integrated logistics solutions,“ he added.

“Partnering with a leading integrated trade enabler such as AD Ports Group is a transformative step for CEI, which will support the wider logistics sector in Pakistan,” said Sohail Yasin Suleman, Group Chairman, World Wide Group.

“By aligning our strong local networks and legacy client relationships with AD Ports Group’s global expertise, we are creating a platform that will secure end-to-end business and elevate the standard of logistics services in the country.“

The joint venture agreement caps a year of expansion for AD Ports Group in Pakistan, where the Group has established itself as a major investor in the Port of Karachi.

To date, AD Group has committed $295 million towards developing and enhancing its terminals in Karachi, and in addition, the group recently reached a long-term agreement with Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), a leading agricultural goods processor, to develop a clean bulk storage facility at Karachi Port, further increasing its investment commitment into the country.