Saudi investors eye Pakistan’s maritime opportunities

June 04, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan's maritime sector has been presented to Saudi investors as a significant opportunity for collaboration.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry outlined a range of investment projects spanning ports, logistics, blue economy initiatives, and related infrastructure during an online meeting.

The discussion was held with Mansour Bin Mohammed Al Saud, Chairman of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Joint Business Council, and focused on strengthening maritime cooperation between the two countries.

The minister said the ministry saw considerable scope for collaboration in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Pakistan's development priorities, underscoring the longstanding ties between the two countries as a growing partnership across economic and strategic sectors.

The virtual meeting was attended by the chairmen of all major ports, the chief executive officer of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), the managing director of the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority (KoFHA), representatives of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), and Pakistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Participants discussed investment opportunities at Karachi Port, Port Qasim, Gwadar Port, the PNSC and KoFHA in detail.

Saudi investors were invited to explore opportunities in a proposed maritime business district, a marine workshop project, and a drydock and floating dock facility at Manora under the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), according to the press release.

During the briefing, KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (Retd) Shahid Ahmed highlighted the potential of the maritime business district project, spread over 140 acres of prime coastal urban land.

At Port Qasim, prospects outlined included the establishment of one multipurpose cargo terminal, an integrated second oil terminal and storage farm, and an energy city project.

Port Qasim Authority Chairman Rear Admiral (Retd) Syed Moazzam Ilyas informed participants that the integrated second oil terminal and storage farm was planned on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis.

The minister also invited Saudi investment in the expansion of the PNSC fleet and the establishment of an approximately 100-acre Aqua Research and Technology Park (ART-Park) at KoFHA.

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