ISLAMABAD: Hutchison Ports, a subsidiary of Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings Limited, plans to invest $1 billion in Pakistan, aimed at upgrading the country’s port infrastructure.
“The investment includes infrastructure development, road improvements to facilitate efficient cargo movement, modernization of HPKICT into a cutting-edge automated terminal, and the development of a 52-hectare logistics park to enhance trade connectivity,” said a statement.
The statement said the company expressed its desire during a meeting with Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad on February 28.
The company’s delegation briefed the finance minister on Hutchison Ports’ 25-year presence in Pakistan, where they have been operating two key terminals—HPKICT and HPSAPT.
“Over this period, the company has contributed more than Rs 225 billion in government revenues and has provided employment to a workforce of 5,000 individuals,” said the statement.
The investment plan also encompasses automation enhancements, such as remote-controlled quay cranes, automated RTGs, electric trucks, and digitised gate operations.
Additionally, it includes training programs for maritime professionals, focusing on port operations, management, and the application of AI technologies.
“The delegation highlighted that their investment is expected to generate at least $4 billion in revenue over the next 25 years through royalty, rent, and tax contributions,” the statement said.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb appreciated Hutchison Ports’ commitment to Pakistan’s maritime sector and acknowledged their role in boosting trade and economic activity.
He assured them that the government is dedicated to creating a business-friendly environment to attract foreign investment.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting strategic investments that drive Pakistan’s economic growth and infrastructure development.
In January, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that Pakistan aims to pursue additional joint ventures with Hong Kong and explore opportunities for secondary listings of its companies in the city.
“If there is an opportunity for companies out of Pakistan, as joint ventures with local companies, to come in and do primary and secondary listings in the Hong Kong stock exchange, for instance, I think it can be a real win-win, not only in terms of the investment that we expect back in Pakistan, but also outward investment,” he said an interview with the South China Morning Post on Monday, during a two-day visit to attend the Asian Financial Forum 2025 on January 13.
In June 2023, Pakistan leased part of the Karachi port to the United Arab Emirates for $220 million.
AD Ports Group formed a joint venture with another UAE company, Kaheel Terminals, to take over berths from Karachi Port Trust, the state-owned handling agency.
Karachi Port is Pakistan’s oldest and busiest, with 33 berths, and the UAE deal will see the joint venture lease four of them for the next 50 years.
