The Hutchison Ports has presented its investment plan of $1 billion in Pakistan, aimed at upgrading their existing terminals to enhance operational efficiency, logistics connectivity, and automation.

“The investment includes infrastructure development, road improvements to facilitate efficient cargo movement, modernization of HPKICT into a cutting-edge automated terminal, and the development of a 52-hectare logistics park to enhance trade connectivity,” said a statement.

It was said when a delegation from the Hutchison Ports called on Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad on February 28. It was led by company’s Middle East & Africa Division Managing Director Andy Tsoi and comprising South Asia Pakistan Terminal CEO Changsu, Kim Karachi International Container Terminal CEO Navaid Qureshi, and Hutchison Ports Pakistan Head of Government Relations Taimur Khan Afridi.

The delegation briefed the finance minister on Hutchison Ports’ 25-year presence in Pakistan, where they have been operating two key terminals—HPKICT and HPSAPT. “Over this period, the company has contributed more than Rs225 billion in government revenues and has provided employment to a workforce of 5,000 individuals.”

Moreover, the investment plan also includes automation upgrades that will include remote quay cranes, automated RTGs, electric trucks, and digitised gate operations, alongside training programmes for maritime professionals in port operations, management, and AI applications. “The delegation highlighted that their investment is expected to generate at least $4 billion in revenue over the next 25 years through royalty, rent, and tax contributions.”

Finance Minister Aurangzeb appreciated Hutchison Ports’ commitment to Pakistan’s maritime sector and acknowledged their role in boosting trade and economic activity.

He assured them that the government remains committed to fostering a business-friendly environment to attract foreign investment. Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government’s support for strategic investments that contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth and infrastructure development.

In January, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that Pakistan aims to pursue additional joint ventures with Hong Kong and explore opportunities for secondary listings of its companies in the city.

“If there is an opportunity for companies out of Pakistan, as joint ventures with local companies, to come in and do primary and secondary listings in the Hong Kong stock exchange, for instance, I think it can be a real win-win, not only in terms of the investment that we expect back in Pakistan, but also outward investment,” he said an interview with the South China Morning Post on Monday, during a two-day visit to attend the Asian Financial Forum 2025 on January 13.

Aurangzeb added that Pakistani companies and banks have “historically favoured” secondary listings on the London Stock Exchange, largely due to a lack of awareness about Hong Kong’s strong reputation for international capital raising. “I would say that Hong Kong can certainly do more in promoting itself as a destination for companies to raise capital.”

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In June 2023, Pakistan leased part of the Karachi port to the United Arab Emirates for $220 million. AD Ports Group formed a joint venture with another UAE company, Kaheel Terminals, to take over berths from Karachi Port Trust, the state-owned handling agency.

Karachi Port is Pakistan’s oldest and busiest, with 33 berths, and the UAE deal will see the joint venture lease four of them for the next 50 years.

Plans include deepening the berths to allow for bigger ships to dock, extending the quay wall, and increasing the container storage area.