US and Kazakhstan Explore Investment Opportunities in Pakistan’s Ports

September 10, 2025:

Pakistan’s strategic ports have drawn international attention, with both the United States and Kazakhstan showing strong interest in enhancing connectivity and trade corridors through port investments.

A US delegation, during its visit to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, was briefed on facilities at Karachi Port, which handles 54% of Pakistan’s trade and has an annual capacity of 125 million tonnes. The port, now ranked 61st globally, recently managed the country’s largest vessel at 400 metres.

Investment discussions focused on Port Qasim, where opportunities include bulk and containerised cargo handling, LNG terminals, and development of a coastal economic zone.

Meanwhile, a Kazakh delegation led by Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev held talks on expanding maritime cooperation and multimodal corridors linking Central Asia to the Arabian Sea.

Officials highlighted the strategic advantage of Pakistan’s ports — Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar — in connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and the Gulf, offering vast potential for container logistics and regional trade under CPEC.