The Federal Minister of Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwaar Chaudhry, revealed on Wednesday that the investment of $ 2 billion of Denmark in the port sector of Pakistan was advancing, and Danish investors actively collaborated with the government to accelerate the process.
Denmark and Pakistan share strong economic ties, with a significant increase in bilateral trade in recent times. There was a 31 percent increase in the first eight months of fiscal year 2024-25, which raised the total commercial volume to $ 285.99 million. According to government data, Pakistan’s exports to Denmark grew by 2pc to $ 207.40 million, while Denmark imports increased by 42pc to $ 78.59 million, showing a balanced and expanding commercial relationship.
Speaking with the media during his introductory visit to Port Qasim today, the minister stressed that the land of the port will be assigned strictly for industrial purposes and will be sold transparently to genuine investors.
“The real estate treatment in the land of the port will be discontinued, and those assigned that are not establishing industries within the assigned time will have their canceled assignments,” said Chaudhry, and added that a new evaluation of the land of Port Qasim will be carried out according to the regulations.
The minister also invited investors and the government of Sindh to join the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to improve Karachi infrastructure.
“The Ministry undertakes to improve the infrastructure of the city, but such projects require the collaboration of the Government of Sindh,” he emphasized.
Chaudhry promised to accelerate and improve the projects and processes of the Ministry in a fast route, including the establishment of a clear policy for the lands under Port Qasim, Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and the National Corporation for sending Pakistan (PNSC).
“Promotion opportunities will be provided for minor officers in the Ministry, and external experience will only be brought when absolutely necessary,” he added.
“The PNSC ships, after completing their operational life, were sold and are now being replaced by relatively newer ships through better offers,” said Chaudhry. “The inclusion of these new ships is expected to improve PNSC competitiveness.”
Chaudhry added that the Ministry has sought plans for its subsidiaries with monthly programmed progress reviews. In addition, a special cell for accelerated maritime matters related to Islamabad will be established.
Last November, the Danish container shipping company Maersk Line promised to invest $ 2 billion in the maritime sector of Pakistan, with the government expressing its willingness to collaborate.
During a meeting with the officials of the shipping giant, the then Minister of the Qaiser of Maritime Affairs Ahmed Shaikh described the investment as a significant achievement for the Pakistan shipping and logistics industry, which underlines the potential for long -term economic benefits of a better cooperation.
