AD Ports Group Eyes Industrial Zone Near Karachi, Qasim Ports

AD Ports Group, a prominent logistics firm based in the UAE, is considering the establishment of a new industrial area in proximity to the Karachi and Qasim ports in Pakistan. This development follows the inauguration of its inaugural representative office located in Islamabad.

The company formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pakistan Board of Investment. This agreement paves the way for exploring the potential creation of a specialized industrial zone near Karachi Port and Port Qasim.

This initiative coincides with the official launch of the UAE-based entity’s first representative office in Islamabad, symbolizing a substantial step in the group’s global expansion efforts.

According to the official statement, “The new office is poised to act as a vital hub for strengthening relationships with governmental bodies and propelling key infrastructure and trade projects forward.”

Serving as both a client-facing center and an administrative base, the Islamabad office will lend support to ongoing activities and foster strategic alliances within the port, maritime, logistics, and industrial development sectors.

The inauguration of the Islamabad office is preceded by a sequence of significant investments made by AD Ports Group in Pakistan, notably a commitment of $295 million towards the modernization and enhancement of container, bulk, and general cargo terminals situated at Karachi Port’s East Wharf.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, stated, “The launch of our Islamabad office marks a pivotal moment in our international growth strategy and underscores our strong and lasting dedication to Pakistan.”

“This step will foster closer collaboration with government organizations and key partners, solidifying AD Ports Group’s role as a major player in Pakistan’s economic evolution. Our increasing presence, bolstered by considerable investments in essential port infrastructure, is in line with our leadership’s vision for facilitating trade, diversifying industry, and promoting sustainable progress.”

In addition to launching the office, AD Ports Group has entered into multiple significant agreements aimed at broadening its integrated logistics and digital trade ecosystem within Pakistan.

These agreements encompass a strategic alliance with Pakistan Single Window to jointly create a unified digital trade platform, thereby simplifying customs and trade procedures.

Furthermore, the company is set to work alongside the Bahria Foundation to improve dredging operations, vessel pooling, and marine services.

Noatum Logistics, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, has also launched an initiative in collaboration with KGTL to establish a multi-modal logistics corridor connecting Pakistan with Central Asia. This corridor will utilize integrated air, sea, and land transport solutions, complemented by warehousing, distribution, and cold chain infrastructure.

In 2022, AD Ports Group made its entry into the Pakistani market through a landmark 50-year concession to develop and manage container terminal berths 6–10 at Karachi Port’s East Wharf, in partnership with Kaheel Terminals.

This was then followed by a subsequent 50-year concession inked in 2023, focused on the development and management of berths 11–17 for handling general and bulk cargo.