Govt invites investment in blue economy

May 08, 2026 (MLN): The government has pledged to facilitate investors and  to boost the maritime sector and accelerate blue economy growth.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs declared plans for an "Energy City" featuring bonded storage facilities for multiple energy forms, while inviting terminal operators to form a consortium and invest in the project.

The minister also called for developing a multipurpose terminal at Port Qasim and pushed for port services to be declared an industry on par with telecommunications to create a more conducive regulatory environment, according to a press release issued.

Federal Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry made these commitments during a meeting with a six-member delegation of leading terminal operators, headed by Eqan Ali Khan, CEO of FAP Terminal.

The delegation urged the minister to rationalize taxes into a single-digit regime and stressed the need for policy consistency and stronger investor confidence.

Junaid Anwar Chaudhry reaffirmed the government's commitment to resolving structural issues and easing business operations at ports, noting the recent clearance of decades-old containers and pallets some dating back 50 years from Karachi Port Trust premises as part of broader efforts to reduce congestion and improve cargo handling efficiency.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain close coordination between the ministry and private stakeholders to unlock the maritime sector's full potential.

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