Latest news with #GwadarPortAuthority
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt to build Rs3b aquaculture park
Listen to article The federal government has decided to establish a state-of-the-art Aquaculture Park at Korangi Fish Harbour (KoFHAH), Karachi, under a public-private partnership framework aimed at boosting the country's blue economy through sustainable aquaculture. The project is estimated to cost Rs3 billion. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the plan while chairing a high-level meeting on the development of the blue economy. The meeting was attended by Chairman Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Noorul Haq Baloch, representatives from the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority (KoFHAH), the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD), and the Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The 120-acre aquaculture park is projected to produce between 360 and 1,200 tonnes of marine products annually, depending on the species cultivated and the farming systems used. Revenue potential is estimated between $720,000 and $7.2 million per year, influenced by species selection, market prices, and production intensity. Officials informed the meeting that land costs have been determined based on an extensive farming model, offering an affordable entry point for private investors. Experts highlighted that Pakistan's coastal waters offer ideal conditions for aquaculture, making them highly suitable for farming a variety of marine species. To fast-track the initiative, the martime minister directed the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority to submit a comprehensive execution report within 10 days. Chaudhry also proposed replicating the aquaculture model in Balochistan, leveraging its vast coastal belt for sustainable marine farming. In a move to improve coordination, the maritime minister ordered the relocation of the Marine Fisheries Department sub-office to the Gwadar Port Authority premises. This administrative shift is expected to streamline inter-agency collaboration and expedite decision-making in blue economy projects. In a separate meeting, the federal minister reviewed progress on land allotment and the lease policy of Port Qasim Authority (PQA). Officials reported that the Survey of Pakistan has been tasked with identifying and demarcating PQA-owned land. It was also revealed that the PQA master plan is being revised in line with the broader feasibility study for the National Ports Master Plan, currently underway. Chaudhry reiterated the government's commitment to promoting sustainable marine development, reiterating that investment in aquaculture and port infrastructure is essential for ensuring food security, increasing exports, and creating employment across coastal regions. The series of meetings chaired by the maritime minister mark a significant step in the government's maritime development strategy, focused on harnessing the full potential of Pakistan's coastal resources through innovation, institutional coordination, and private sector participation.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Govt announces halving port charges at Karachi Port
ISLAMABAD: The government Saturday announced to cut port charges at Karachi Port by 50 per cent, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of trade logistics and foster sustainable growth. The decision was announced by the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, saying the initiative is part of a broader strategy to decarbonise the maritime sector and improve energy efficiency in port operations. He said reforms include a 50 per cent reduction in port handling, vessel, and storage charges, while scrapping the previously planned annual five per cent hike in these fees, a step will benefit exporters of dry bulk goods and reduce emissions through faster, less congested port activity. 'By lowering operational costs and streamlining logistics, we are not only boosting trade competitiveness but also contributing to climate resilience.' 'Climate resilience': govt cuts export cargo handling charges by 50% at Karachi Port This isn't just a financial measure; it's a pivot towards low-impact, future-ready maritime trade,' said the minister. 'A more efficient port reduces idle time for vessels, lowers fuel consumption, and supports greener supply chains.' The minister highlighted that these changes are part of a national strategy to modernise port infrastructure, enhance sustainability, and transition towards the smart maritime practices. The maritime ministry is trying to enhance port efficiency, including forming a high-level committee to cut container dwell time by 70 per cent and deploying advanced technologies such as AI and drones for monitoring operations, further underlining the government's proactive stance in modernising maritime trade logistics. Charing a meeting, the Maritime Affairs' Minister on the development of blue economy also announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art Aquaculture Park at Korangi Fish Harbour (KoFHAH), Karachi, at an estimated cost of Rs3 billion. The meeting besides others was attended by Chairman Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Noorul Haq Baloch, representatives from Korangi Fish Harbour Authority (KoFHAH), the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD), and the Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The estimated annual production of a 120-acre aquaculture park ranges from 360 to 1,200 tons, depending on the species cultivated and the farming system employed. Its annual revenue potential is projected to be between $720,000 to $7.2 million, influenced by species selection, market prices, and production intensity. The minister said the project, covering 120 acres, should be developed under a public-private partnership framework, aiming to boost the country's blue economy through sustainable aquaculture. The meeting was informed that the land cost for the Aquaculture Park has been set according to an extensive farming model, offering an affordable and efficient foundation for private investors. Experts informed the meeting that Pakistan's coastal waters possess highly conducive conditions for aquaculture, providing an ideal environment for farming a variety of marine species. To accelerate the process, the Federal Minister directed the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority to submit a comprehensive execution report within 10 days. Emphasising replication of success, the minister proposed extending the aquaculture model to Balochistan, leveraging its vast coastal belt for sustainable marine farming. In a move aimed at enhancing coordination, the minister ordered the relocation of the Marine Fisheries Department sub-office to the premises of the Gwadar Port Authority. This administrative shift is expected to streamline inter-agency collaboration and expedite decision-making in blue economy initiatives. In another separate meeting, the minister also reviewed the progress on the land allotment and lease policy of the Port Qasim Authority (PQA). Officials informed him that the Survey of Pakistan has been engaged to identify and demarcate PQA-owned land. Furthermore, it was conveyed that the revision of PQA's master plan is being aligned with the broader feasibility study for the National Ports Master Plan, currently under way. Minister Junaid Anwar reiterated the government's commitment to promoting sustainable marine development, asserting that investments in aquaculture and port infrastructure are essential for ensuring food security, increasing exports, and generating employment across coastal regions. The series of meetings held by the maritime minister marked a significant step in the government's broader maritime development strategy, focused on harnessing the full potential of Pakistan's coastal resources through innovation, institutional cooperation, and private sector engagement. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Govt plans to establish Rs3bn aquaculture park in Karachi
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art aquaculture park at Korangi Fish Harbour in Karachi, at an estimated cost of Rs3 billion. The minister made this announcement presiding a high-level meeting on the development of blue economy. The meeting was attended by Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Chairman Noorul Haq Baloch, representatives from Korangi Fish Harbour Authority (KoFHA), the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD), and the Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The 120-acre aquaculture park is estimated to produce 360 to 1,200 tons of seafood annually, depending on the species cultivated and the farming system employed. Its annual revenue is projected to be between $720,000 and $7.2 million, influenced by species selection, market prices, and production intensity, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs said in a press release. The World Bank defines the blue economy as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation, while ensuring the health of the ocean ecosystem. Minister Junaid said the project, covering 120 acres, should be developed under a public-private partnership framework, aiming to boost the country's blue economy through sustainable aquaculture. The meeting was informed that the land cost for the aquaculture park has been set according to an extensive farming model, offering an affordable and efficient foundation for private investors. Starting fish farming scheme in Sindh with World Bank support: Najmi Alam Experts informed the meeting that Pakistan's coastal waters possess highly conducive conditions for aquaculture, providing an ideal environment for farming a variety of marine species. To accelerate the process, the federal minister directed the KoFHA to submit a comprehensive execution report within 10 days. Emphasising replication of success, he proposed extending the aquaculture model to Balochistan, leveraging its vast coastal belt for sustainable marine farming. While, in a move aimed at enhancing coordination, Junaid ordered the relocation of Marine Fisheries Department sub office to the premises of the Gwadar Port Authority. This administrative shift is expected to streamline inter-agency collaboration and expedite decision-making in blue economy initiatives. In a separate meeting, the federal minister also reviewed the progress on the land allotment and lease policy of the Port Qasim Authority (PQA). Officials informed him that the Survey of Pakistan has been engaged to identify and demarcate PQA-owned land. Furthermore, it was conveyed that the revision of PQA's master plan is being aligned with the broader feasibility study for the National Ports Master Plan, currently underway. Minister Junaid reiterated the government's commitment to promoting sustainable marine development, asserting that investments in aquaculture and port infrastructure are essential for ensuring food security, increasing exports, and generating employment across coastal regions. The series of meetings held by the maritime minister mark a significant step in the government's broader maritime development strategy, focused on harnessing the full potential of Pakistan's coastal resources through innovation, institutional cooperation, and private sector engagement.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Minister vows to transform Gwadar
Listen to article Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has reaffirmed his commitment to turning Gwadar into a modern maritime and logistics centre aligned with national goals and regional development. According to an official statement released on Wednesday, the minister shared this vision during a meeting with Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noorul Haque. The chairman briefed him on the port's performance, ongoing projects, and future business plans during the minister's official visit to Gwadar. The minister stressed the need for steps that reflect ground realities and promote inclusivity, prosperity, and national pride through enhanced port performance. He pointed out the economic potential of Balochistan's coastal and agricultural belt, particularly in fishing and date production in Gwadar, Panjgur, and Kech. The Makran coast contributes 40% of Pakistan's total fish catch, while Kech and Panjgur produce over half of the country's premium dates. However, 3040% of these crops are lost post-harvest due to a lack of value-addition infrastructure, limiting export potential. The minister urged both public and private sectors to invest in fish and date processing units, including cleaning, freezing, grading, drying, and packaging facilities. He also called for the development of cold storage and logistics systems to support sustainable export operations. The meeting also reviewed plans to build an Off-Dock Terminal near the New Gwadar International Airport. A 100-acre site has been earmarked for the terminal, which will handle containers and cargo. The project, with a projected cost of Rs497 million and a one-year completion target, aims to reduce demurrage costs, increase trade confidence, and boost revenues through Gwadar Port. The terminal will provide logistical benefits to landlocked Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan by lowering transit costs, the statement added. The minister also toured the China Business Center, where he was briefed on the port, Free Zone, and Gwadar International Terminal. He instructed relevant authorities to accelerate efforts and ensure timely progress.
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Stakeholders told to promote Gwadar trade routes
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal directed stakeholders to promote the Gwadar Port's cost-effective trade routes and available incentives for international businesses and early commencement of transshipment operation between Gwadar and the Persian Gulf. The minister chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on the Operationalisation of Gwadar Port on Friday. The meeting, coordinated by Member Infrastructure, Planning Commission Dr Waqas Anwar was attended by senior officials from Gwadar Port Authority, the ministries of Maritime Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Defence, Defence Production, Interior, Finance, Commerce, Communications, Railways, and Industries and Production. The meeting focused on finalising a comprehensive and well-coordinated plan to accelerate the operationalisation of Gwadar Port. Key agenda items included organising an international conference in Islamabad to raise global awareness about Gwadar Port, devising a robust marketing strategy, and enhancing diplomatic outreach to attract investment and trade interest from Central Asian Republics and other relevant countries. The planning minister was briefed that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs is actively engaging private shipping liners to commence transshipment operations between Gwadar and the Persian Gulf. Initial cargo categories will include minerals, dates, seafood, and cement, targeting sectors such as mining, fisheries, and processing industries. Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasised the need to showcase Gwadar Port in international roadshows as a strategic trade hub linking the Gulf and Central Asia. 'Well-designed promotional materials must be disseminated through Pakistan's embassies and diplomatic missions worldwide to ensure global visibility for Gwadar Port,' he said. The federal minister underscored Gwadar's geostrategic value, citing its position as the shortest trade route to the Gulf and Central Asia, including countries such as Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. He highlighted the port's potential as a regional transshipment hub. The planning minister instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate a four-nation consortium to undertake a pre-feasibility study aimed at linking South Asia with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) from Gwadar to Oman through undersea tunnel. Proposals are also under consideration to establish ferry connections with Gulf Countries leveraging China's strong trade presence in the region. Minister Iqbal directed the Director General of Gwadar Port Authority to ensure quality accommodation and recreational facilities for international shipping crew members, encouraging repeat visits to the port. The DG confirmed that high-standard lodging, including a 5-star hotel (Pearl Continental), is available for international shipping crew members. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
