A delegation of Chinese business executives from the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) has shown keen interest in funding solar energy projects for Fisheries and Aquaculture Parks in Pakistan. The plan aims to provide consistent, eco-friendly power for operations, boost productivity, and draw more global investment to Pakistan”s harbors.
Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry met with the five-member delegation, led by Yi Jiang, in Islamabad on Wednesday to discuss the initiative. The ACFIC, China”s premier chamber of commerce for private companies, promotes public-private collaborations and bolsters China”s non-public economic sector, with core interests in manufacturing, industry, trade, technology, and business.
Minister Chaudhry underscored Pakistan”s dedication to leveraging its maritime resources. He positioned the solarization of Fisheries and Aquaculture Parks as a vital advance in sustainable maritime progress within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) structure.
The meeting reinforced Pakistan”s commitment to eco-conscious coastal infrastructure, particularly in Gwadar. This aims to unlock prospects in seafood handling, marine farming, and shipping – key elements of the nation”s maritime economic blueprint.
Chaudhry informed the group that Pakistan”s maritime economy is expanding, adding roughly USD 1 billion, about 0.4% of the national GDP, in 2023-24. He also noted seafood shipments to China reached 125 million last year, demonstrating increasing trade cooperation.
The minister urged Chinese investors to consider Gwadar’s Free Zones. ‘The South Free Zone is fully functional with a state-of-the-art 2,000-ton cold storage unit,’ he stated. ‘Concurrently, advancements in the North Free Zone are progressing well.’
He highlighted Gwadar Port’s potential as a significant regional logistics center, thanks to its strategic position and developing facilities. ‘Our goal is to transform Gwadar into a clean, energy-efficient, and investor-friendly harbor,’ he declared, reiterating government backing for sustainable energy programs in the maritime domain.
The Chinese representatives embraced the minister’s suggestions and explored collaborative possibilities in trade logistics and harbor management. ‘Gwadar’s proximity to major shipping lanes, along with the incentives offered by Pakistan, makes it an optimal transshipment hub,’ a delegate commented.
Both parties concurred on continued dialogue to turn their shared objectives into concrete ventures, boosting regional connectivity, trade efficiency, and sustainable advancement of Pakistan’s coastal resources.