Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)’s delegation visited KPT Head Office and held meeting with the Chairman KPT Rear Admiral Jamil Akhtar HI (M), T.Bt to explore opportunities for the Thai investments at Karachi Port. Eleven members delegation of senior investment promotion officials of Thailand, led by Miss Sithee Tanboonteck, accompanied by Consul General of Thailand in Karachi, held detailed discussion on situation evolving in Pakistan after initiation of Belt and Road initiative and CPEC with particular reference to the role of Pakistan.
The Chairman KPT Rear Admiral Jamil Akhtar briefed the delegation about the mega projects of KPT covering Special Economic Zones, LNG Fuel Power Plant cum Desalination Plant, Wetland Park cum Sewerage Treatment Plant, Business District Hub and procurement of crafts such as tugs, pilot boats, barges, auxiliary crafts, etc. They took keen interest in port projects and at this juncture they were informed about the vision of Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Pakistan, Syed Ali Haider Zaidi, for realizing fruition from the untapped Blue Economy resources available in the country. Highlighting the importance of hinterland connectivity projects in connection with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the delegates were also briefed about the most prized KPT Freight Corridor project having rail, road and pipeline linkages connecting with national highways through shortest route over sea without disturbing the city commuters. In this realm the delegates were informed by Chairman KPT that the port has deepest berths of the region at its South Wharf which is capable of handling exponential volumes of cargo. Thai delegation was also informed by Rear Admiral Jamil Akhtar that against a cargo handling capacity of 150 Million Tons at KPT, present volume is about 55 million tons and thus KPT has the potential to become regional Hub for trade particularly for transit and transhipment.
Souvenirs were exchanged between Chairman KPT Rear Admiral Jamil Akhtar and the Thai Investment Promotion Officials including the Consul and Deputy Consul General of Thailand in Karachi to conclude the proceedings.