A US delegation visited the Ministry of Maritime Affairs on Tuesday, where it was briefed on Pakistan's ports, operational capacity, business models, and maritime connectivity. Federal Secretary Syed Zafar Ali Shah received the delegation, according to an official statement.
The delegation was told Karachi Port operates three private container terminals, one bulk terminal, three liquid cargo berths, a cement export facility, and 13 dry cargo berths. Karachi Port handles 54% of Pakistan's trade with an annual capacity of 125 million tonnes. It improved its global ranking to 61st among 405 container ports in 2023 and recently managed Pakistan's largest vessel at 400 meters.
Discussions also covered Port Qasim's investment potential in bulk, break-bulk, containerised cargo handling, and off-dock terminals. The PQA chairman highlighted projects including dredging of navigation channels, an alternate route, a 26-km dualized main access road, and effluent treatment plants in industrial zones.
Future plans for Port Qasim include a coastal economic zone, two LNG terminals, a shipyard, multipurpose cargo and container terminals, and a second oil terminal with storage. Expressing strong interest in LNG terminals and bulk cargo handling, the US side acknowledged Pakistan's ports as critical for regional trade and economic growth.
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