KARACHI: Pakistan plans to significantly upgrade Port Qasim to expand cement and clinker exports, the maritime affairs ministry said on Tuesday, outlining projects that include new berths, additional storage and improved export operations.

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, cement and clinker exports rose 23.7 percent in value and 28.7 percent in volume year-on-year, with earnings climbing to $329.79 million in FY25 compared to $266.51 million a year earlier.

Key export destinations included Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, the United States and Ghana.

“Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has announced a series of major initiatives aimed at boosting cement and clinker exports by enhancing port infrastructure and operational capacity, with a particular focus on Port Qasim,” the ministry said.

Chaudhry said a sub-committee of all major ports, led by the Port Qasim Authority, had finalized recommendations to accelerate export capacity.

Planned measures include construction of two additional multi-purpose berths, a new 30,000-ton storage facility expected to start by end-2025 and permanent repairs to existing storage infrastructure targeted for completion by December.

The Port Qasim Authority will also work with the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association to explore use of an under-utilized berth for clinker exports.

With export growth outpacing domestic demand, which weakened in recent years, Port Qasim has come under strain from limited berthing capacity, inadequate storage and logistical bottlenecks.

The government says the expansion drive is aimed at easing those pressures and strengthening Pakistan’s competitiveness in global trade.