ISLAMABAD: China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has proposed a preliminary engineering cost of $522.34 million for the first phase of a new deep-water port at Keti Bunder near Karachi.
The proposal was presented during a meeting between a Chinese delegation and President Asif Ali Zardari, who called for the port to be developed as part of an integrated infrastructure network.
The Chinese company presented a conceptual master plan for the proposed Keti Bunder Port, outlining multiple terminals, logistics facilities and supporting infrastructure.
According to the presentation, the first phase would include a 500-metre quay and a multipurpose terminal.
Welcoming the delegation, President Zardari said Keti Bunder had significant potential to serve as an additional maritime gateway for Pakistan. He said the project could strengthen the country’s port and logistics network while supporting connectivity and trade.
The president stressed that the port should not be developed in isolation and called for an integrated approach involving reliable road links, electricity and water supplies, industrial infrastructure and other essential facilities.
He also emphasised the need for close technical coordination between CHEC and relevant Pakistani authorities to further develop the project.
President Zardari said environmental sustainability should remain a key consideration, particularly the protection of the Indus Delta ecosystem and the interests and livelihoods of local fishing communities.
He appreciated China’s continued interest in supporting Pakistan’s infrastructure and maritime development and encouraged further technical discussions to refine the master plan and determine an appropriate implementation and financing framework.
The Chinese delegation included CHEC’s Chief Representative in Pakistan Wu Ping, Head of Marketing Department Wang Zongde, Engineer Xu Tielin and General Manager of Strategy and Marketing Ali Raza.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Senators Saleem Mandviwalla and Sherry Rehman, Sindh Energy and Planning and Development Minister 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.
