KARACHI: Pakistan said on Saturday the World Bank’s recognition of Port Qasim as one of the world’s most improved container ports was proof of sustained reforms in the country’s maritime sector, expressing hope the achievement would help position the facility as a regional shipping hub and attract investment.

The World Bank’s latest Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2024, compiled with S&P Global Market Intelligence, ranked Port Qasim ninth among the top 20 improving ports worldwide this week, citing a 35.2-point leap in performance between 2020 and 2024.

“The inclusion of Muhammad Bin Qasim Port among the world’s top 20 improving ports is a reflection of our continuous efforts to modernize port operations, adopt global best practices, and enhance efficiency,” Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said in a statement. “We remain committed to strengthening the maritime sector and making it a vital contributor to national and regional trade.”

Chaudhry said the recognition underscored Islamabad’s determination to transform its ports into competitive regional hubs, highlighting policy measures, regulatory reforms and investment in modern technology.

He also credited private operators, particularly DP World’s Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT), for maintaining international standards, and announced approval of a long-awaited dredging project to accommodate larger vessels and boost capacity.

He added that Port Qasim’s rise in the global index strengthened Pakistan’s credentials as a regional shipping hub, alongside Karachi and Gwadar, which are also undergoing modernization.

He said improved port performance was expected to attract foreign investment in maritime and logistics industries, while providing exporters and importers with more reliable and cost-efficient shipping.

“This achievement is only a beginning,” he said. “Our aim is to transform Pakistan’s maritime gateways into drivers of economic growth, regional integration and prosperity.”