Danish shipping giant Maersk is set to invest $2 billion in Pakistan’s port and transport infrastructure over the next two years. The investment, facilitated by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), will focus on the development of ports, terminals, dredging operations, transshipment facilities, and road construction.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh is scheduled to visit Denmark this month to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Maersk and the Karachi Port Trust.
Minister Sheikh highlighted recent policy changes, including the removal of sales tax on processing plants, fisheries seeds, and feed in the maritime sector. The government will also allocate land for the construction of processing plants dedicated to marine exports.
Sheikh underscored Karachi’s potential to boost exports and noted that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs is working to create a conducive business environment. He encouraged the business community to actively engage in these developments.
The SIFC initiative is anticipated to drive significant advancements in Pakistan’s maritime and transport sectors. The government views a secure and stable Pakistan as essential for fostering growth and investment in these critical areas, thereby supporting national economic development.