AD Ports Group to explore industrial zone project in Karachi

Dubai: The AD Ports Group will explore the possibility of creating an industrial zone near Karachi Port and Port Qasim in Pakistan.

The project, if it goes ahead, will smoothen trade and economic activity and position Pakistan as a 'world-class marine hub' and 'key gateway to Central Asia'.

"Pakistan plays a key role in one of the Group’s strategic growth priorities in Central Asia as the maritime gateway of the 'Middle Corridor' connecting Asia and Europe," said a statement by AD Ports Group.

The UAE company already has extensive maritime and logistics business interests in Georgia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. An industrial zone in Pakistan would thus be a significant step up in expanding on current interests in that area of the world.

A 're-development of the Port of Karachi - Pakistan’s main port with overland connections into Central Asia - will further develop a 'cost-efficient maritime sea route'.

It was in 2023 that AD Ports Group’s made an entry into Pakistan, winning a 50-year concession with JV partner Kaheel Terminals to operate five container terminal berths on the East Wharf of the Port of Karachi.

Last year, the two bagged a 25-year concession to operate seven general and bulk cargo berths at Karachi’s East Wharf.

Also last year, the UAE company increased maritime shipping services to Pakistan, and which 'attracted new clients'.

"AD Ports Group seeks to enable trade, for the UAE, and for its trade partners around the world, especially in Pakistan, where we are deploying our expertise and our integrated business offerings to enable trade in Central Asia on a broader and more efficient scale,” said Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group.

Apart from the industrial zone project, the new agreement will also lead up to AD Ports Group creating 'end-to-end logistics solutions' over air, ocean, and inland transport. This will include warehousing and distribution, and again 'dramatically improve Pakistan’s inland trade corridors into Central Asia'.