KATI Industrialists Should Form a Consortium to Establish Fish Processing Plants: Junaid Anwar Chaudhry
Export Order of 25,000 Tons of Tuna Fish Available This Year; KPT’s 180 Acres of Land Retrieved: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs
Pakistan’s Geographic Location Between Asia, Europe, and Africa Is Strategic; Blue Economy Guarantees Economic Growth: Muhammad Ikram Rajput
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has stated that local industrialists and investors can undertake projects in partnership with the Karachi Port Trust (KPT). He encouraged KATI industrialists to unite and form a consortium to establish fish processing plants. He revealed that an export order of 25,000 tons of tuna fish is available this year, and that 180 acres of KPT land have been reclaimed from land grabbers.
He expressed these views while addressing industrialists and members at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI). On this occasion, KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput, Acting Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya, Senior Vice President and Standing Committee Chairman Zahid Hameed, Vice President Talha Ali, KATI CEO Saleem-uz-Zaman, former chairmen and presidents Junaid Naqi, Sheikh Umar Rehan, Syed Farrukh Mazhar, Rashid Siddiqui, KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (R) Shahid Ahmed, Kanwar Qutbuddin, and other industrialists and members were present.
The Federal Minister further said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir want to see Pakistan prosperous and developed. Upon assuming charge of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, indiscriminate action was taken against encroachments on vast KPT land. He added that this land can now be utilized for development projects, ventures, and the establishment of various plants.
He stated that while the Ministry of Maritime Affairs can initiate new projects on a self-help basis, the government wants the business community to benefit from these opportunities. “If the government earns 10 rupees from these projects, the business community can earn 80 rupees,” he said, adding that the ministry’s doors are always open for the business community.
Junaid Anwar Chaudhry urged KATI industrialists and investors to take advantage of this opportunity and assured full cooperation on any better proposals put forward by KATI. He emphasized that any project proposed by the business community under the Blue Economy framework would receive his personal support as Federal Minister, not just through the Secretary Maritime Affairs or the KPT Chairman.
He also mentioned that licenses have been issued for the long-pending ferry service. Countries such as Iran and Yemen are showing interest in initiating ferry services with Pakistan, and for the first time, licenses are being issued within seven days. He reiterated that improving the Blue Economy is the top priority of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, and effective steps are being taken to revive the fisheries sector.
Earlier, KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput said that Pakistan’s geographic location between Asia, Europe, and Africa makes it a key hub for international trade and maritime activities. Pakistan has two major deep-sea ports—Karachi Port and Gwadar Port—with depths capable of handling the largest ships, a facility not available at many ports worldwide.
He stated that the Blue Economy presents a comprehensive model for economic growth, employment generation, food security, and environmental sustainability. With prudent planning and sustainable strategies, the Blue Economy can ensure prosperity for both current and future generations.
Rajput highlighted that fisheries is an important industry in Pakistan, providing employment and income opportunities. However, due to compliance issues, Pakistani seafood faces restrictions in some global markets. He said that if the government and stakeholders take steps to remove these barriers, over one billion dollars in trade could easily be achieved from the fisheries sector.
He further added that Pakistan’s maritime areas contain oil and gas reserves that can be utilized to meet the country’s energy needs. The government should develop exploration plans to discover and economically benefit from these resources.
Acting Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya emphasized that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs should prioritize close collaboration and cooperation with the private sector to promote industry and trade. He called for effective and practical solutions to issues faced by Korangi industrialists, particularly those related to logistics, export costs, and port operations.
He stressed that policymaking should be based on consultation, trust, and partnership, adding that sustainable industrial development is only possible when the government and private sector work together under a shared vision. He also announced that a KATI delegation would coordinate with KPT to formulate a joint roadmap for new projects.
Senior Vice President and Standing Committee Chairman Zahid Hameed called for further improvement in port digitalization and cargo handling facilities to ensure faster, easier, and cost-effective access to global markets. He emphasized the importance of utilizing marine resources in a way that ensures economic growth while protecting the environment.
He noted that Pakistan is fortunate to have a coastline of over 1,000 kilometers and valuable marine resources. With proper planning, significant progress can be achieved in fisheries, maritime trade, tourism, and energy sectors.
The event was also addressed by KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (R) Shahid Ahmed, Sheikh Umar Rehan, and Muslim Muhammadi.
