Dozens of American companies attend high-level webinar exploring Karachi Port and Port Qasim opportunities
ISLAMABAD – July 17, 2025:
In a significant development for Pakistan’s maritime sector, more than 65 American companies participated in a virtual forum on Wednesday to explore investment and commercial partnerships at Karachi Port and Port Qasim.
The event — part of the “Gateways to Growth: South Asia Port Opportunities” series — was jointly organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration and the U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
Designed as a strategic engagement platform, the webinar allowed American businesses to directly interact with Pakistani port authorities and private sector operators, signaling a renewed U.S. interest in contributing to the development of Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure.
Speaking during the session, U.S. Consul General in Karachi, Scott Urbom, emphasized the longstanding contributions of American investors in Pakistan and voiced optimism about the future of port sector collaboration.
“U.S. investors have played a vital role in Pakistan’s economic growth, and we believe the port sector holds tremendous potential for further strengthening our commercial ties,” Urbom said. “By working together, we can create new trade corridors, enhance logistics efficiency, and support Pakistan’s broader economic development goals.”
Senior officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the Port Qasim Authority, Abu Dhabi Ports (which operates Karachi Gateway Terminal Ltd), and Dubai Ports World (which runs Qasim International Container Terminal) shared insights on Pakistan’s infrastructure development plans, regulatory framework, and investment priorities.
The session also highlighted how U.S. firms could support Pakistan’s ambitions to modernize its port facilities, expand trade capacity, and develop new supply chain linkages across the region.
Ean Hundley, Director of ICT and Infrastructure Policy at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, described the initiative as a valuable gateway for American businesses seeking to understand and enter South Asia’s infrastructure markets.
“This program gives U.S. companies the tools they need — market insights, regulatory context, and direct lines of communication with key decision-makers — to successfully invest in this fast-growing region,” Hundley said.
The hybrid event marked a new chapter in U.S.-Pakistan commercial cooperation, underscoring mutual interest in enhancing maritime connectivity and promoting sustainable, long-term infrastructure partnerships.
