ISLAMABAD: A US delegation has explored the extensive capabilities of Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Gwadar Port—highlighting Pakistan’s growing role in regional maritime connectivity and trade.
The delegation visited Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs on Tuesday and engaged in high-level discussions with Federal Secretary Syed Zafar Ali Shah.
During the meeting, the secretary briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s port facilities, operational capacities, business models, cooperation opportunities, and maritime connectivity, a press release said.
The delegation was informed that Karachi Port operates three private container terminals, one private bulk terminal, three liquid cargo berths, an eco-friendly cement export facility, and 13 dry cargo berths.
Handling 54 percent of Pakistan’s trade, Karachi Port has an annual capacity of 125 million tons. In 2023, it improved its global ranking to 61st out of 405 container ports and recently accommodated the country’s largest vessel, measuring 400 meters.
Discussions also focused on potential collaboration opportunities at Port Qasim, with an emphasis on investments in bulk, break-bulk, containerised cargo handling, and off-dock terminals.
The chairman of the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) outlined ongoing projects, including dredging of navigation channels, commissioning an alternate route, dualising a 26-kilometer main access road, and establishing effluent treatment plants within the industrial zones.
According to the press release, plans for Port Qasim also include the development of a coastal economic zone, two LNG terminals on a build-operate-transfer basis, a shipyard, multipurpose cargo terminals, an integrated container terminal, and a second oil terminal with storage facilities.
The port operates round the clock for ship handling and cargo evacuation via road and rail, with infrastructure upgrades underway to improve logistics.
The delegation was also briefed on Gwadar Port’s strategic location, tourism potential, infrastructure projects, and special economic zones.
“Expressing keen interest in all three ports, including LNG terminals and bulk cargo handling, the US delegation recognised the strategic importance of Pakistan’s ports as a significant opportunity for economic development in the country,” the press release said.
Pakistan and the United States on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance cooperation on critical mineral exploration in the South Asian country, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic engagement.
Last month, Pakistani and US officials held discussions on enhancing Pakistan’s railways and infrastructure to better support mineral extraction and transportation, according to the US Embassy.
During the same month, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed Washington’s interest in exploring cooperation with Pakistan in the areas of critical minerals and hydrocarbons.
In July, Pakistan signed a trade agreement with the US, leading Washington to reduce tariffs on Pakistani goods from 29 percent to 19 percent. Meanwhile, former President Trump had imposed double tariffs on India.
