Blue economy growth: Minister unveils ‘port industrial complex vision’

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Monday unveiled a long-term vision to develop a Port Industrial Complex under a comprehensive master plan for Port Qasim, placing strong emphasis on climate resilience and strict environmental compliance.

Chairing a meeting outlining the Port Industrial Complex vision, the minister said Port Qasim’s integrated planning and phased development were designed to transform the port into a globally competitive industrial and logistics hub, aligned with Pakistan’s broader objectives of trade expansion, industrialisation and blue economy growth.

Junaid Chaudhry said the Port Qasim climate-resilient industrial hub could generate tens of billions of dollars in economic impact over the next two decades, strengthening Pakistan’s industrial base, boosting exports, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, and positioning the country as a competitive regional trade and industrial centre.

“Its focus on sustainability and climate resilience will also mitigate future environmental and economic risks, enhancing long-term investment confidence,” the minister stated.

The minister Chaudhry underscored the strategic importance of Port Qasim as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s long-term economic growth, describing it as a “gateway to national prosperity” under the comprehensive master plan.

Junaid Chaudhry noted that the master plan spans a total area of more than 14,590 acres, structured to ensure balanced industrial development, efficient port operations and sustainable land use over five decades.

“This long-term planning framework reflects our commitment to continuity, investor confidence and economic resilience,” he said.

The maritime minister noted industerial complex of Port Qasim has been divided into three zones including the North Western Zone, the Eastern Zone and the South Western Zone.

“The North Western Zone, covering 3,061 acres, has been earmarked for diversified industrial activity, supporting value-added manufacturing and ancillary services linked to port operations,” he added.

He said the Eastern Zone, the largest component of the complex at 7,273 acres, is being developed as the primary industrial backbone, offering space for heavy industries, export-oriented units and logistics facilities.

Chaudhry added the South Western Zone, spread over 2,258 acres, had been allocated for specialised industrial and commercial uses, while 1,997 acres of low-lying area are being managed through phased development and environmental safeguards to ensure sustainable utilisation.

Highlighting operational capacity, Chaudhry said Port Qasim currently hosts 833 operational units, reflecting strong industrial uptake and sustained investor interest. In addition, 40 units are under construction, signalling continued expansion and confidence in the port’s future prospects.

“These figures demonstrate that Port Qasim is not merely a maritime facility, but a living industrial ecosystem that continues to grow,” he said, adding that the government was focused on improving ease of doing business, streamlining approvals and enhancing infrastructure to support further industrial activity.

The minister stressed that Port Qasim’s development was closely linked to national supply chains, energy security and export growth. He said the port played a vital role in handling bulk cargo, liquid chemicals, energy imports and industrial raw materials, thereby supporting key sectors of the economy.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026