Ports, logistics, blue economy initiatives: Maritime sector offers investment opportunities: minister

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry here on Wednesday said Pakistan’s maritime sector offered significant investment opportunities in ports, logistics, blue economy initiatives and related infrastructure, citing the country’s strategic location and expanding trade connectivity.

The minister made the remarks during an online meeting with Chairman of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Joint Business Council (JBC) Mansour Bin Mohammed Al Saud and other participants.

“Pakistan’s maritime sector presents strong investment potential, particularly in ports, logistics, blue economy initiatives and supporting infrastructure,” Junaid Chaudhry said, adding that the ministry saw considerable scope for collaboration in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Pakistan’s development priorities.

He also underscored the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, describing the relationship as a growing partnership across economic and strategic sectors.

The virtual meeting was attended by the chairmen of all major ports, the chief executive officer of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), the managing director of the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority (KoFHA), representatives of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), and Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Participants discussed investment opportunities at Karachi Port, Port Qasim, Gwadar Port the PNSC and KoFHA in detail.

The minister said Saudi investors could explore opportunities in the proposed maritime business district, a marine workshop project, and the drydock and floating dock facility at Manora under the Karachi Port Trust (KPT).

He added that Port Qasim offered prospects for the establishment of one multipurpose cargo terminal, an integrated second oil terminal and storage farm, as well as an energy city project.

Junaid Chaudhry also invited Saudi investment in the expansion of the PNSC fleet and the establishment of an approximately 100-acre Aqua Research and Technology Park (ART-Park) at the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority.

During a briefing to the JBC, Karachi Port Trust Chairman Rear Admiral (Retd) Shahid Ahmed highlighted the potential of a maritime business district project at KPT, spread over 140 acres of prime coastal urban land.

Port Qasim Authority Chairman Rear Admiral (Retd) Syed Moazzam Ilyas informed participants about plans to establish an integrated second oil terminal and storage farm at the port on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026