Saudi investors eye 140-acre Maritime District at Karachi Port

KARACHI (Staff Report): Saudi investors have expressed keen interest in the proposed 140-acre Maritime Business District at Karachi Port, signalling potential opportunities for Saudi-Pakistani investment in the country’s maritime and logistics infrastructure.

H.H. Prince Mansour bin Muhammad Al-Saud, Chairman of the Saudi-Pakistani Joint Business Council (Saudi Chapter), conveyed the interest during a visit to Karachi Port Trust (KPT) alongside a high-level Saudi business delegation.

During discussions with KPT officials, the proposed Maritime Business District emerged as a key investment opportunity, alongside green port initiatives, terminal infrastructure expansion and strategic connectivity projects.

KPT Chairman Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed SI(M), S.Bt (Retd), briefed the delegation on the port’s modernisation programme, operational performance and expanding transshipment activities. He highlighted the proposed Maritime Business District as a major opportunity for investment and commercial development.

The discussions also covered strategic connectivity projects, including the M-10 Port Link, KPT-Pipri Freight Corridor, ML-1 railway linkage and the East-West Wharves Connectivity Bridge, aimed at strengthening cargo movement and improving port connectivity.

Prince Mansour expressed interest in exploring mutually beneficial Saudi investment and joint ventures in these areas.

The delegation also visited South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited (SAPTL-HPH) to observe its cargo-handling operations and modern terminal infrastructure.

The visit comes as Pakistan seeks foreign investment to modernize its maritime infrastructure and strengthen Karachi’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub.

However, the visit’s outcome will depend on whether the expressed interest translates into concrete investment commitments, project proposals or formal agreements.