Saudi Delegation Explores Investment Opportunities at Karachi Port

KARACHI: A high-level Saudi business delegation has expressed interest in investing in Pakistan’s maritime sector, including green port initiatives, terminal infrastructure and connectivity projects at Karachi Port.

Led by Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi chapter of the Saudi-Pakistani Joint Business Council, the delegation visited Karachi Port Trust (KPT) headquarters and South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited (SAPTL-HPH).

The visit aimed to explore investment opportunities and strengthen maritime cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

KPT Highlights Major Investment Opportunities

KPT Chairman Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed (retd), Federal Secretary for Maritime Affairs Captain Muhammad Khurram Agha (retd) and Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noorul Haq Baloch welcomed the delegation.

Prince Mansour and the federal secretary co-chaired a meeting where KPT presented its plans to develop into a modern fifth-generation port.

Officials also highlighted the port’s record performance during FY2025-26, rising transshipment activity and ongoing modernisation initiatives.

KPT identified several potential investment opportunities, including a proposed 140-acre Maritime Business District and the development of Manora Shipyard.

The authority also presented infrastructure projects designed to improve cargo movement and logistics efficiency.

These include the M-10 Port Link, KPT-Pipri Freight Corridor, ML-1 railway connectivity and the East-West Wharves Connectivity Bridge.

Saudi Investors Show Interest in Green Port Projects

Prince Mansour expressed particular interest in the proposed Maritime Business District, environmentally sustainable port operations, terminal expansion and connectivity projects.

He described these initiatives as promising opportunities for Saudi investment and joint ventures that could deliver economic benefits to both countries.

The delegation also visited SAPTL, where officials briefed its members on the terminal’s operational capabilities, modern infrastructure and cargo-handling facilities.

Maritime Cooperation Could Attract Fresh Investment

The visit reflects efforts by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to deepen business ties through investment in strategic infrastructure.

For Pakistan, potential Saudi investment in ports and logistics could strengthen trade connectivity and improve cargo-handling capacity.

Such projects could also enhance Karachi Port’s competitiveness as a regional maritime and logistics hub.