AD Ports Group and Pakistan Sign 4 Key MoUs to Boost Trade and Transport Infrastructure

Islamabad: In a major development for trade and transport, AD Ports Group has signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Pakistani government. These agreements focus on strengthening Pakistan’s maritime, air, and rail sectors while advancing logistics and digital services.

The signing ceremony in Islamabad included Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Alzaabi. Other top officials from AD Ports Group, Kaheel Group, and Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue also attended.

Key Areas of Collaboration

The MoUs involve several Pakistani entities, including:

• Pakistan Federal Board of Revenue
• Ministry of Railways
• Ministry of Maritime Affairs
• Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and Karachi Port Trust
• Pakistan Airports Authority

The agreements will enable both sides to work together on customs, rail, airport, and maritime projects. Through these projects, AD Ports Group will expand its activities in Pakistan. Key goals include upgrading digital customs systems, developing new freight rail corridors, and improving airport and port facilities.

Major Investments in Karachi Port

AD Ports Group, in partnership with Kaheel Terminals, is already investing heavily in Karachi Port. This port is a critical trade hub for Pakistan. Together, the partners will invest almost $400 million over the next 15 years to manage and expand container, bulk, and general cargo operations.

Additionally, AD Ports Group signed a 25-year concession in early 2024 with Karachi Port Trust (KPT). This agreement allows AD Ports to manage several cargo terminal berths. They will invest $75 million in infrastructure and equipment within the next two years, followed by $100 million over five years. These improvements will increase capacity by 75%, allowing the terminal to handle up to 14 million tonnes each year.

UAE-Pakistan Economic Ties

The UAE is one of Pakistan’s top trade partners, with trade volumes reaching $7.9 billion in 2023—a 12% increase from 2022. Over the past two decades, UAE’s investment in Pakistan has totaled over $10 billion. With these new MoUs, economic ties are set to grow even further.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi emphasized the importance of these agreements for both countries. “These MoUs mark a new phase of prosperity and create fresh business opportunities that support sustainable development,” he stated.

Vision for the Future

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of AD Ports Group, affirmed the Group’s commitment to the projects, aligning with UAE’s vision for regional connectivity. “These MoUs will help us identify growth opportunities that strengthen UAE-Pakistan ties while maximizing Pakistan’s role as a key regional trade partner,” he said.

The new MoUs build on existing agreements between the two nations, representing a shared effort to boost economic growth and connectivity in the region.