ISLAMABAD: A delegation from China’s Shandong Xinxu Group, led by Chairman Hou Jianxin, has expressed strong interest in developing a multi-billion-euro Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex (IMIC) at Pakistan’s Port Qasim, potentially marking one of the largest foreign investments in the country’s maritime sector in recent years.
The five-member Chinese team met Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Chaudhry on December 18, 2025, to discuss the ambitious project, estimated to cost between €1 billion and €2 billion. The IMIC aims to revitalize Pakistan’s maritime and heavy industrial capabilities through three core components: reviving the dormant Iron Ore and Coal Berth (IOCB) Jetty—also known as the steel jetty—establishing advanced shipbuilding and shipbreaking facilities, and integrating a modern steel mill directly with port operations.
The IOCB Jetty, originally designed for bulk cargo handling of iron ore and coal to support Pakistan Steel Mills, features a dedicated conveyor system and can accommodate vessels up to 75,000 deadweight tons. The proposal builds on the “Steel-to-Green Sea” initiative unveiled by the minister in November 2025, emphasizing sustainable development, job creation, and reduced import dependency.
Minister Chaudhry welcomed the interest and urged the group to submit a detailed unsolicited proposal, including technical, financial, and environmental feasibility studies. A joint committee, comprising officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Shandong Xinxu representatives led by Additional Secretary Umar Zafar Sheikh, will review the roadmap.
If approved, the project could transform Port Qasim into a regional hub for heavy industry and logistics, aligning with Pakistan’s goals for economic growth and environmental responsibility. Shandong Xinxu, a high-tech enterprise specializing in renewable energy and industrial projects, has been actively engaging with Pakistani authorities on maritime investments.
This development underscores deepening Pakistan-China economic ties, potentially injecting significant capital and technology into the nation’s blue economy.