China has proposed establishing an Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex in Pakistan, signaling a new phase of investment and cooperation in the maritime and port sectors. The plan, which would bring joint ventures in shipbuilding, logistics, seafood exports, and port development, is seen as a step toward positioning Gwadar and Port Qasim as regional hubs in global trade.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry shared details of the proposal following high-level meetings in Beijing with executives from Shandong Xinxu Group Corporation, Tianjin Dongjiang Comprehensive Free Trade Zone (TDFTPZ), and FANJIEYUN International. During his discussions, he emphasized Pakistan’s willingness to support such ventures with land allocation, utilities, and regulatory facilitation, while also underscoring the importance of meeting international compliance standards.
Talks with Shandong Xinxu Group Corporation centered on the development of the Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex. Chaudhry stressed that ship recycling facilities within the project must comply with the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) and European Union environmental and safety benchmarks. He invited the group to consider partnerships with Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) in new builds, leasing arrangements, and feeder services linked to Gwadar. The minister also highlighted opportunities in dry dock and floating dock facilities, along with EU-certified fish processing and aquaculture research to expand seafood exports.
In a separate meeting with representatives of the Tianjin Dongjiang Comprehensive Free Trade Zone, discussions focused on ship financing and leasing mechanisms. These arrangements would allow Pakistan to expand the PNSC fleet without heavy upfront investment, particularly for Aframax tankers, container ships, and bulk carriers. Chaudhry suggested that Dongjiang investors explore bonded warehouses, cold chain systems, and bulk cargo handling facilities at Gwadar. He further floated the idea of developing a China–Gwadar–Africa logistics corridor, designed to strengthen trade connectivity between Asia and Africa. The minister also encouraged training programs for Pakistani free zone managers and customs officials and extended an invitation for a Dongjiang investment delegation to visit Gwadar in 2025.
The minister’s engagements also included discussions with FANJIEYUN International, a leading frozen food and meat importer. Talks explored Gwadar’s potential as a logistics hub featuring bonded warehousing and transshipment corridors. Chaudhry proposed reviving feeder vessel services and conducting a feasibility study for a freight hub operation at Gwadar, reinforcing the port’s role as a central player in regional trade.
The meetings form part of the prime minister’s broader delegation visit aimed at attracting foreign direct investment and strengthening bilateral cooperation across Pakistan’s maritime economy. With Gwadar at the center of many of these discussions, the government is clearly positioning the port as a future gateway for global shipping routes and a logistics anchor for South Asia.
The proposed Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex aligns with Pakistan’s vision of transforming its coastal infrastructure into a driver of economic growth while fostering deeper ties with China’s industrial and logistics networks. If implemented, the project could significantly enhance Pakistan’s shipbuilding, fleet management, and seafood export capacity, while supporting long-term regional integration.
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