Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan’s major ports are drawing growing foreign interest, with the United States and Kazakhstan both signaling readiness to invest and strengthen regional trade routes.
A US delegation held talks at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs on Tuesday after a recent agreement on resource development. Federal Secretary Syed Zafar Ali Shah briefed the team on Pakistan’s port network, their handling capacity, and opportunities for investment, Dawn reported.
Karachi Port, which manages around 54 percent of the country’s trade, has an annual capacity of 125 million tonnes. It is equipped with three private container terminals, facilities for liquid and bulk cargo, and multiple dry cargo berths. Officials noted that the port has improved its global standing to 61st out of 405 container ports and has recently accommodated Pakistan’s largest vessel to date, stretching 400 metres.
Talks also focused on Port Qasim, where officials highlighted potential in bulk and break-bulk cargo operations, container handling, and off-dock facilities. The Port Qasim Authority’s chairman outlined projects including dredging, development of a coastal economic zone, and new LNG and multipurpose cargo terminals. LNG handling and bulk cargo facilities drew particular interest from the US side, which viewed Pakistan’s ports as vital to boosting economic growth.
Read More: Pakistan Kazakhstan agree to enhance cooperation in education sector
Kazakhstan’s interest was conveyed separately during a meeting between its Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev and Pakistani counterparts. The discussions centered on building stronger maritime links and establishing multimodal transport corridors from Central Asia to the Arabian Sea. Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar were all highlighted as crucial gateways for Central Asian exports.
Read More: Pakistan to Receive $500m US Investment in Critical Minerals Sector
Secretary Shah underscored the ports’ strategic location, offering direct access to South Asia, Central Asia, and Gulf markets. He added that Kazakhstan could take advantage of logistics services, container handling, and terminal facilities being developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Officials from Karachi Port Trust and Port Qasim Authority further assured the Kazakh delegation that Pakistan has spare capacity to handle regional cargo traffic.
