Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday stressed the need for a comprehensive and coordinated plan for the proposed Keti Bunder Port project, saying the development should go hand in hand with dependable road links, electricity and water supplies, industrial facilities and other necessary infrastructure.
The president made these remarks while attending a briefing by the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) on its proposal for the development of Keti Bunder Port.
He welcomed the Chinese delegation and praised China’s continued willingness to contribute to Pakistan’s infrastructure and maritime sectors.
President Zardari said Keti Bunder could emerge as an important additional gateway to the sea, helping expand Pakistan’s port and logistics system while improving trade and regional connectivity.
He called for strong technical coordination between the Chinese company and the concerned Pakistani institutions to ensure effective planning of the project.
The president also highlighted the importance of protecting the environment throughout the development process, particularly the sensitive ecosystem of the Indus Delta.
He said the project must also take into account the concerns, interests and livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing in the area.
President urged both sides to maintain technical consultations to improve the proposed master plan and determine a suitable mechanism for financing and implementing the project.
During the meeting, the Chinese delegation shared its Conceptual Master Plan for Keti Bunder Port.
The proposal envisages the establishment of a deep-water maritime gateway featuring several terminals, logistics facilities and related infrastructure.
Under the first phase, the project would include a multi-purpose terminal with a 500-metre quay. The preliminary engineering cost for this phase has been estimated at around $522.34 million.
The CHEC delegation included the company’s Chief Representative in Pakistan, Wu Ping, Head of the Marketing Department Wang Zongde and Engineer Xu Tielin. Ali Raza, General Manager of Strategy and Marketing, was also part of the delegation.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Senators Saleem Mandviwala and Sherry Rehman, Sindh Minister for Energy, P&D 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 also participated in the meeting.