Proposed deep-water port would feature multiple terminals and logistics facilities, with Phase-I estimated to cost $522.34 million.
ISLAMABAD: China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has presented a Conceptual Master Plan for the development of Keti Bunder Port, with President Asif Ali Zardari calling for an integrated approach to ensure the proposed maritime project is supported by adequate road connectivity, power and water supplies, industrial infrastructure and other essential facilities.
The president made these remarks while presiding over a presentation by a CHEC delegation on the proposed development of Keti Bunder Port.
Welcoming the Chinese delegation, President Zardari appreciated China’s continued interest in supporting Pakistan’s infrastructure and maritime development.
He said Keti Bunder had significant potential to emerge as an additional maritime gateway, strengthening the country’s port and logistics network while facilitating greater connectivity and trade.
The president stressed the need for close technical coordination between the Chinese side and relevant Pakistani authorities to ensure that the proposed project was developed on a comprehensive and sustainable basis.
He said environmental sustainability must remain a key consideration throughout the planning and development process, particularly given the ecological sensitivity of the Indus Delta.
President Zardari also emphasised the need to protect the fragile ecosystem of the delta and safeguard the interests and livelihoods of local fishing communities.
He encouraged continued technical engagement between stakeholders to further refine the master plan and determine an appropriate implementation and financing framework for the project.
CHEC unveils conceptual master plan
The Chinese delegation presented the Conceptual Master Plan for Keti Bunder Port, which envisages the development of a new deep-water maritime gateway featuring multiple terminals, logistics facilities and supporting infrastructure.
According to the proposed plan, Phase I of the project would include a multi-purpose terminal with a 500-metre quay.
The preliminary engineering cost of the first phase has been estimated at approximately US$522.34 million.
The proposed development is aimed at establishing additional maritime capacity while strengthening logistics connectivity and supporting future trade and industrial activity in the region.
The presentation was attended by senior officials from the federal and Sindh governments, reflecting the importance of coordination between federal, provincial and Chinese stakeholders for the proposed port development.
The Chinese delegation included Wu Ping, Chief Representative of CHEC in Pakistan; Wang Zongde, Head of the Marketing Department; Xu Tielin, Engineer; and Ali Raza, General Manager of Strategy and Marketing.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Senators Saleem Mandviwala and Sherry Rehman, Sindh Minister for Energy and Planning & Development Nasir Hussain Shah, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Investment and Public-Private Partnership Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, and Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah also attended the meeting.
The meeting underscored the need for a coordinated approach to port development, with infrastructure connectivity, environmental protection, local livelihoods, financing and long-term economic benefits incorporated into the planning process.