Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has emphasised facilitating investors as a key strategy to attract new investment and promote the blue economy.
The minister shared these views during a meeting with a six-member delegation of leading terminal operators, headed by Eqan Ali Khan, CEO of FAP Terminal, at his office, said a press release here on Friday.
He assured the group that the government would take all possible measures to ensure the sustainability and growth of their businesses.
The delegation urged the minister to play his role to rationalise taxes into a single-digit regime and declare port services an industry akin to telecommunications to foster a more conducive regulatory and investment environment.
Junaid Chaudhry acknowledged the critical role of policy consistency and investor confidence in strengthening the maritime sector. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving structural issues and easing business operations at ports.
Looking ahead, the minister revealed plans for an “Energy City” project, featuring bonded storage facilities for multiple energy forms. He noted that different potential locations would be identified based on feasibility and suitability for energy storage and related infrastructure.
He invited terminal operators to form a consortium and invest in the Energy City, while encouraging them to develop a participation mechanism and contribute to establishing a multipurpose terminal at Port Qasim.
Junaid Chaudhry highlighted the recent removal of decades-old containers and pallets, some dating back 50 years, from
Karachi Port Trust (KPT) premises to reduce congestion. He described the clearance as part of broader efforts to enhance port efficiency and streamline cargo handling.
The meeting ended with a commitment to keep close coordination between the ministry and private stakeholders, aiming to unlock the maritime sector’s full potential and accelerate blue economy initiatives.