KARACHI: Pakistan and China discussed plans for a large maritime industrial complex at Port Qasim involving up to €2 billion ($2.2 billion) in investment on Thursday, as Islamabad seeks to modernize its ports and position itself as a regional trade and logistics hub, a government statement said.
The proposal comes as Pakistan looks to upgrade port infrastructure to handle higher trade volumes and improve connectivity between sea lanes and landlocked Central Asian states, leveraging its geographic position at the crossroads of South and Central Asia. The effort aligns with the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has underpinned Chinese investment in Pakistan’s energy, transport and infrastructure sectors with the aim of boosting regional connectivity.
The project was discussed during a meeting between a delegation from China’s Shandong Zinxu Group and Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, according to the statement.
“Proposal for a comprehensive maritime industrial complex at Port Qasim was reviewed during the meeting,” Chaudhry said in a statement circulated after the talks.
“The proposed project could involve investment of €1–2 billion,” he added.
Chaudhry said the project under discussion could include the establishment of shipbuilding and shipbreaking facilities, as well as a modern, port-linked steel mill aimed at reducing Pakistan’s reliance on imported steel.
He added that the revival of the steel jetty at Port Qasim would be critical for the project’s viability.
The minister said employment generation, value addition and environmental considerations would be prioritized as part of the proposed investment, which, if approved, could rank among Pakistan’s largest industrial projects.
Pakistan has in recent months stepped up efforts to streamline port operations, including the introduction of artificial intelligence-based technologies to improve efficiency, reduce congestion and speed up cargo handling.
Only a day earlier, the maritime affairs minister met a delegation from Pakistan’s Ministry of Railways to discuss plans to establish a railway station and modern storage facilities at Port Qasim, aimed at improving logistics and cargo movement to and from the port.
