China’s CHEC proposes $522 million first phase for new Keti bunder deep-water port

China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has proposed an estimated engineering cost of $522.34 million for the first phase of a new deep-water port at Keti Bunder near Karachi

ISLAMABAD: China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has proposed an estimated engineering cost of $522.34 million for the first phase of a new deep-water port at Keti Bunder near Karachi, marking a potential major expansion of Pakistan’s maritime and logistics infrastructure.

The proposal was presented to President Asif Ali Zardari during a meeting on Monday, where a visiting CHEC delegation briefed the president on the company’s Conceptual Master Plan for the proposed port.

The planned development is envisioned as a new maritime gateway that would include port terminals, logistics facilities and supporting infrastructure aimed at improving Pakistan’s trade and transportation capacity.

First phase to feature 500-metre quay

According to the presentation, the first phase of the project would include a multi-purpose terminal with a 500-metre quay. The proposed terminal is expected to serve as a key component of the new port and could provide additional capacity for handling maritime trade.

The development of Keti Bunder as a deep-water port could also diversify Pakistan’s existing port infrastructure and create another strategic point for the movement of goods, provided the project advances beyond the conceptual and planning stages.

President Zardari welcomed CHEC’s proposal and said Keti Bunder had considerable potential to emerge as an additional maritime gateway for Pakistan.

He said the project could contribute to strengthening the country’s port and logistics network while improving connectivity and facilitating trade.

President stresses integrated infrastructure

The president stressed that the proposed port should not be developed in isolation. He called for an integrated planning approach covering road connectivity, electricity, water supply, industrial facilities and other supporting infrastructure required for the port to operate efficiently.

He also directed that close technical coordination should be maintained between CHEC and relevant Pakistani authorities as work on the master plan progresses.

According to the discussions, the success of the proposed port would depend not only on the construction of maritime facilities but also on the availability of reliable inland transportation links and essential utilities.

Focus on Indus Delta environment

President Zardari also highlighted the need to ensure environmental sustainability during the planning and development of the project.

He specifically stressed the importance of protecting the fragile ecosystem of the Indus Delta, an environmentally sensitive area, while also safeguarding the interests and livelihoods of local fishing communities.

The president encouraged continued technical consultations between Pakistani authorities and CHEC to further refine the master plan. He also called for detailed consideration of an appropriate framework for the project’s implementation and financing.

Officials attend meeting

The CHEC delegation included the company’s Chief Representative in Pakistan Wu Ping, Head of Marketing Department Wang Zongde, Engineer Xu Tielin and General Manager of Strategy and Marketing Ali Raza.

The meeting was also attended by 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.