A high-level, thirteen-member delegation from the Republic of Uzbekistan, led by Gulamov Shokhrukh Khasanovich, Deputy Minister for Investment, Industry and Trade, paid an official visit to Karachi Port Trust (KPT) to explore potential investment opportunities within Pakistan’s maritime sector. The delegation was accorded a warm welcome by Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed, SI (M), S. Bt (Retd), Chairman, KPT, and the senior management team.
During the visit, Chairman KPT delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the port’s infrastructure, ongoing development initiatives, and key operational achievements. The briefing was well attended by Ministry Officials and the Chairman of PQA, Rear Admiral Syed Moazzam Ilyas HI (M) (Retd), as well as private terminal operators at the two ports of Karachi. Particular emphasis was placed on logistics-driven investment opportunities, including enhanced rail and road connectivity and the development of new terminal operations. These prospects generated keen interest among the Uzbek delegates, leading to an in-depth exchange of views and queries.
The Chairman further apprised the delegation of KPT’s upcoming Marine Business District initiative and the port’s engagement in the ML-1 railway project in collaboration with Pakistan Railways. He underscored the strategic potential of establishing rail connectivity with CARs, envisioning a seamless trade corridor linking Uzbekistan’s industrial and commercial hubs with Pakistan’s maritime gateways. In this context, the Chairman invited Uzbek industry and trade stakeholders to consider operating dedicated off-dock terminals at Karachi Port to facilitate their import and export operations. The delegation also visited SAPTL and KGTML at KPT and highly appreciated the use of modern technologies at the terminals.
In his concluding remarks, Deputy Minister Khasanovich expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality and the detailed and informative briefing. To commemorate the occasion, Chairman KPT presented a souvenir to the Deputy Minister and extended gifts to the distinguished members of the delegation. The visit concluded with a group photograph.
