In a major step toward enhancing Pakistan’s maritime economy, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Friday agreed to establish a joint consultative mechanism to align national port strategies with private sector needs.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and an FPCCI delegation led by its President, Atif Ikram Sheikh.
Minister Chaudhry emphasized the importance of integrated logistics corridors under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and called for greater private sector participation in developing port-related infrastructure.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upgrading Pakistan’s major ports-Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim Authority (PQA), and Gwadar Port-as part of a broader push to strengthen the country’s blue economy.
The Minister highlighted recent progress in digitalizing port operations, streamlining regulations, and introducing green port practices, noting that these reforms are already delivering measurable results.
He invited FPCCI to partner with the ministry in identifying targeted investments in maritime logistics, shipbuilding, coastal tourism, and fisheries, calling for a collaborative approach to sustainable sectoral development.
The FPCCI President welcomed the initiative and praised the ministry’s recent performance, particularly KPT’s record-breaking cargo and container throughput during FY 2024-25. He assured the Minister of FPCCI’s full support in facilitating further reforms and expanding public-private cooperation in the maritime domain.
Other members of the FPCCI delegation included- Sheikh Umer Rehan, Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA); Malik Sohail Hussain, Chairman Coordination FPCCI Capital Office; and Kunwar Qutubuddin Khan, Chairman of Lakeshore Towers and Kunwar’s Associates.
The meeting underscored a shared vision for advancing Pakistan’s maritime capabilities, enhancing trade competitiveness, and building a robust framework for long-term economic growth through strategic partnerships.