Saudi Arabia invited to invest in Pakistan’s ports, maritime sector

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has invited Saudi Arabia to invest in Pakistan’s maritime sector, including ports, logistics, blue economy projects and related infrastructure, during an online meeting with Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Joint Business Council Chairman Mansour Bin Mohammed Al Saud.

Chaudhry said there was significant room for cooperation in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Pakistan’s development priorities. The meeting was also attended by the chairmen of all major ports, the chief executive officer of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, the managing director of the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority and Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

The minister said Saudi investors could consider opportunities in the proposed maritime business district, a marine workshop project and a drydock and floating dock facility at Manora under the Karachi Port Trust. He also pointed to potential investment openings at Port Qasim, including a multipurpose cargo terminal, an integrated second oil terminal and storage farm, and an energy city project.

Chaudhry further invited Saudi investment in expanding the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation fleet and in setting up an approximately 100-acre Aqua Research and Technology Park at the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority.