KARACHI: Pakistan and China on Thursday discussed plans for a large maritime industrial complex at Port Qasim, involving up to S2 billion in investment, a government statement said.
The proposal aims to modernise Pakistan’s ports and position the country as a regional trade and logistics hub.
Officials said the project seeks to upgrade port infrastructure, handle higher trade volumes, and improve connectivity to landlocked Central Asian states.
The plan aligns with the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which supports Chinese investment in energy, transport, and infrastructure in Pakistan.
The discussion took place during a meeting between a delegation from China’s Shandong Zinxu Group and Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.
“Proposal for a comprehensive maritime industrial complex at Port Qasim was reviewed during the meeting,” Chaudhry said.
He added the project could include shipbuilding and shipbreaking facilities, and a modern port-linked steel mill to reduce reliance on imported steel.
Chaudhry said reviving the steel jetty at Port Qasim is key to the project’s success.
He noted employment generation, value addition, and environmental concerns would be prioritised. If approved, the project could become one of Pakistan’s largest industrial ventures.
Pakistan has recently focused on streamlining port operations, introducing AI-based systems to boost efficiency, reduce congestion, and speed up cargo handling.
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A day earlier, Chaudhry met a delegation from the Ministry of Railways to discuss a railway station and modern storage facilities at Port Qasim to improve logistics and cargo movement.
