Uzbek delegation eyes maritime ventures in Pakistan

KARACHI: A high-level delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev, visited Karachi Port Trust (KPT) this week to explore avenues for maritime collaboration and investment in Pakistan’s expanding blue economy. On Thursday, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry directed the KPT’s Transition Management Committee to facilitate and brief the visiting officials, emphasizing the importance of regional partnerships and Pakistan’s growing focus on ocean-based industries.

The Uzbek delegation, which included three senior officials and business representatives, examined investment prospects in port infrastructure, clean cargo logistics, and terminal operations—following up on recent discussions held between the ambassador and the minister in Islamabad. During the visit, KPT officials Abdullah Zaki and Khawaja M. Zubair provided a detailed overview of the port’s role in regional trade, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable and diversified maritime development.

Key initiatives presented included the Maritime Business District, clean bulk cargo handling projects, and enhanced logistics connectivity. Ambassador Tukhtaev and his delegation expressed particular interest in the operational capacity of Karachi Port and viewed it as a vital hub for increasing Uzbekistan’s access to global trade routes. The delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s strategic geographic position as a maritime gateway for Central Asia. The delegation also toured South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited (SAPTL) to observe modern container handling using advanced gantry cranes and terminal technologies—underscoring Pakistan’s progress in port modernization and management.–NNI