Hutchison Ports, a global leader in port management, has unveiled a $1 billion investment plan aimed at modernizing Pakistan’s port infrastructure. The announcement was made during a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and a high-level delegation from Hutchison Ports on Friday. The delegation, led by Andy Tsoi, Managing Director for the Middle East & Africa Division, outlined the company’s plans to significantly enhance Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure.
The delegation included prominent figures such as Changsu Kim, CEO of South Asia Pakistan Terminal, Navaid Qureshi, CEO of Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT), and Taimur Khan Afridi, Head of Government Relations for Hutchison Ports Pakistan. During the meeting, Hutchison Ports emphasized its longstanding commitment to Pakistan, highlighting its 25-year presence in the country and its operations at two key terminals—HPKICT and HPSAPT.
Since its arrival in Pakistan, Hutchison Ports has contributed over Rs225 billion in government revenues and provided employment to around 5,000 individuals. These contributions have made the company a crucial player in the development of Pakistan’s maritime industry.
The $1 billion investment plan outlined by Hutchison Ports is designed to upgrade existing terminals and significantly enhance operational efficiency, logistics connectivity, and automation within Pakistan’s port sector. The investment is aimed at creating a world-class maritime infrastructure that will not only improve port operations but also position Pakistan as a competitive player in global trade.
Key components of the investment plan include infrastructure development to improve the flow of goods, road improvements to facilitate more efficient cargo movement, and the modernization of the HPKICT terminal into a cutting-edge automated facility. Additionally, the plan includes the creation of a 52-hectare logistics park, which will further enhance trade connectivity and boost Pakistan’s trade capacity.
One of the major highlights of the investment is the automation upgrades that will be implemented at the terminals. These include the introduction of remote quay cranes, automated rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs), electric trucks, and digitalized gate operations. The modernization effort also extends to human capital, with Hutchison Ports committing to extensive training programs for maritime professionals in areas such as port operations, management, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
The company has projected that the $1 billion investment will generate substantial returns, estimating that the modernization efforts will contribute at least $4 billion in revenue over the next 25 years through royalties, rents, and taxes. This influx of revenue is expected to provide a significant boost to Pakistan’s economy while enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of its ports.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb expressed his appreciation for Hutchison Ports’ dedication to the development of Pakistan’s maritime sector. He acknowledged the company’s significant role in boosting trade and economic activity in the country. Aurangzeb also assured the delegation that the Pakistani government remains committed to fostering a business-friendly environment and will continue to support strategic foreign investments that contribute to the country’s economic growth and infrastructure development.
This $1 billion investment plan by Hutchison Ports is a significant step toward modernizing Pakistan’s port infrastructure, improving efficiency, and enhancing the country’s position in global trade. The investment demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships to drive economic growth and modernization in Pakistan’s vital infrastructure sectors.