Pakistan and Abu Dhabi Ports Group have signed four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to deepen cooperation in key sectors, including rail, airport infrastructure, and maritime shipping and logistics. The agreements were finalized during the visit of a high-level delegation from the UAE, led by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade.
The MoUs were signed with several key Pakistani government bodies, including the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, Karachi Port Trust, and the Pakistan Airports Authority. These agreements pave the way for increased collaboration between the two countries in critical infrastructure sectors, with a focus on modernizing Pakistan’s transportation and logistics networks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the UAE’s growing investment in Pakistan will play a key role in strengthening the country’s economy. The partnerships reflect growing economic ties between Pakistan and the UAE, with a shared vision to boost trade and improve connectivity across the region.
Pakistan signs MoUs with AD Ports Group
The MoUs were signed and exchanged in Islamabad on November 8, 2024, in the presence of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Al-Zaabi, as well as several cabinet ministers and senior officials from AD Ports Group and Kaheel Group.
Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said that the UAE and Pakistan have long-standing strategic partnerships in many sectors. The agreements “will contribute to providing new opportunities for the business communities and private sectors on both sides, support sustainable development efforts, and stimulate joint economic growth to achieve the mutual interests of both countries and people,” Dr Al Zeyoudi said.
The MoUs signify “a common will between the two countries to advance their trade and investment relations to new heights in main priority sectors,” he added.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “With these MoUs today, AD Ports Group will explore ways to identify potential projects and opportunities for mutual growth that will strengthen ties between the UAE and Pakistan, in line with our wise leadership vision. We are committed to enabling trade by enhancing regional connectivity and help Pakistan maximise its role as a growing, regional trade partner.”
AD Ports Group expands investment in Pakistan
The MoUs mark the latest step in the growing partnership between AD Ports Group and Pakistan, focused on upgrading the country’s trade, transport, and logistics infrastructure.
AD Ports Group, in partnership with UAE-based Kaheel Terminals, has strengthened its growing relationship with Pakistan through a series of agreements focused on enhancing the country’s trade, transport, and logistics infrastructure to significantly boost Pakistan’s capacity to handle growing cargo volumes.
In February 2024, AD Ports signed a significant 25-year concession agreement with the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) to develop, operate, and manage bulk and general cargo terminal berths 11-17 at Karachi Port’s East Wharf. As the majority shareholder in a joint venture with Kaheel Terminals, AD Ports has committed to investing $75 million over the next two years in superstructure and equipment upgrades. This investment will be followed by another $100 million within five years, aimed at increasing the terminal’s capacity by 75%, enabling it to handle up to 14 million tonnes per year.
This latest agreement builds on AD Ports’ earlier success in securing a 50-year concession for the development of the Karachi Gateway Terminal (KGTL). Signed in June 2023, the $220 million project focuses on expanding container handling capacity at Karachi Port’s East Wharf, specifically at berths 6-10. The combined investment in both projects will total nearly $400 million over 15 years, underscoring AD Ports’ long-term commitment to modernizing Pakistan’s key port infrastructure.
With a global presence spanning more than 50 countries, AD Ports Group operates 33 terminals and over 550 square kilometers of economic zones.
UAE delegation visits Islamabad to strengthen ties
The UAE delegation, led by the Chairman of Kaheel Group Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, and Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, visited Pakistan to explore new avenues for investment and collaboration. Also part of the delegation were UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi and senior officials from AD Ports.
The Pakistani delegation was headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and included key ministers such as Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Maritime Affairs Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi as well as other government officials.
Both sides expressed strong interest in expanding investment in areas like shipping, port efficiency, logistics, and the digitization of customs. Discussions focused on strengthening the already robust economic partnership, with both countries keen to enhance trade and infrastructure ties.
The UAE has been one of Pakistan’s largest trade partners and a major source of foreign investment, with total investments exceeding $10 billion over the past 20 years, according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.