Pak maritime sector attracts interest from dozens of US firms

Karachi: Over 65 US companies participated in a webinar on Tuesday to explore trade and investment opportunities in Pakistan’s maritime sector, with a particular focus on Karachi Port and Port Qasim. The event was co-hosted by the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration and the State Department, in collaboration with Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
The webinar was part of the ‘Gateways to Growth: South Asia Port Opportunities’ series and featured senior representatives from key Pakistani port authorities, including the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Port Qasim Authority, and terminal operators such as Abu Dhabi Ports (Karachi Gateway Terminal Ltd) and Dubai Ports World (Qasim International Container Terminal).

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US Consul General in Karachi, Scott Urbom, emphasized the sector’s potential for strengthening US-Pakistan economic ties. He noted that the US Mission is committed to supporting American businesses through regulatory facilitation and partnerships with local stakeholders.
The session focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas like port operations, trade facilitation, and supply chain development. Ean Hundley of the US International Development Finance Corporation highlighted how the initiative aims to equip US firms with tools to engage in South Asia’s infrastructure development, particularly in the maritime space.
Pakistani officials outlined the country’s infrastructure priorities, ongoing reforms, and capacity-building efforts at its major ports. They also emphasized the growing role of public-private partnerships in advancing terminal operations and port modernization.

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Director General for Ports and Shipping, Alia Shahid, along with other industry leaders, shared insights into digitalization, expansion plans, and investment-ready projects in the maritime domain.
The event concluded with a renewed call from the US government for American firms to take a closer look at Pakistan’s evolving port infrastructure landscape, underpinned by support through advocacy, trade promotion, and commercial diplomacy.