Pakistan’s strategic ports are increasingly attracting international attention, with the United States and Kazakhstan showing keen interest in investing to enhance regional trade and connectivity.
A US delegation visited the Ministry of Maritime Affairs recently following an agreement to harness natural resources, where Federal Secretary Syed Zafar Ali Shah briefed officials on Pakistan’s port facilities, operational capacities, and potential investment opportunities.
During the visit, the delegation was informed that Karachi Port handles approximately 54 percent of Pakistan’s trade, with an annual capacity of 125 million tonnes. The port features three private container terminals, bulk and liquid cargo facilities, and dry cargo berths.
Notably, it has improved its global ranking to 61st among 405 container ports and successfully managed the country’s largest vessel, measuring 400 metres. Discussions also focused on Port Qasim, highlighting investment prospects in bulk, break-bulk, containerised cargo handling, and off-dock terminals.
The Port Qasim Authority chairman outlined ongoing projects, including dredging of navigation channels, the development of a coastal economic zone, and plans for LNG and multipurpose cargo terminals. The US delegation showed particular interest in LNG terminals and bulk cargo operations, recognising Pakistan’s ports as critical assets for economic growth.
In parallel, Kazakhstan’s interest was demonstrated through a meeting led by Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev with Pakistani officials. The delegation explored avenues to expand maritime cooperation and strengthen multimodal transport corridors linking Central Asia to the Arabian Sea.
Key Pakistani ports, including Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar, were identified as pivotal for facilitating Central Asian trade. Federal Secretary Shah emphasised the strategic location of Pakistan’s ports, which offer access to South Asia, Central Asia, and the Gulf.
He noted that Kazakhstan could benefit from container handling, logistics, and off-dock terminals under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Officials from KPT and PQA also highlighted the available capacity at these ports to handle Central Asian cargo, underlining the potential for deeper regional integration and economic collaboration.
