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, as Pakistan looks to expand its maritime and logistics network.
CHEC presented a Conceptual Master Plan for the proposed port to President Asif Ali Zardari during a meeting on Monday. The plan outlines a new maritime gateway featuring multiple terminals, logistics facilities and supporting infrastructure.
The first phase would include a multi-purpose terminal with a 500-meter quay, according to the presentation made by the Chinese delegation.
President Zardari welcomed the proposal and said Keti Bunder had significant potential to become an additional maritime gateway for Pakistan. He said the project could strengthen the country’s port and logistics network while supporting greater connectivity and trade.
The president called for an integrated approach to the project, saying the port should be developed alongside reliable road connections, power and water supplies, industrial infrastructure and other essential facilities. He also stressed close technical coordination between CHEC and relevant Pakistani authorities as the master plan is developed further.
Zardari also emphasized environmental sustainability, particularly the need to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Indus Delta and safeguard the interests and livelihoods of local fishing communities. He encouraged continued technical engagement between the two sides to refine the master plan and determine an appropriate implementation and financing framework.
The CHEC delegation included 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 Mandviwala 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.
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