Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced major initiatives to boost cement and clinker shipments by enhancing port infrastructure and operational abilities, focusing on Port Qasim.
Chairing a session, he said a sub-committee of all major ports, led by the Port Qasim Authority, Rear Admiral Syed Moazzam Ilyas, finalized recommendations to accelerate shipment capabilities.
The minister stressed the need to expedite constructing two additional multi-purpose berths at Port Qasim, increasing the port’s capacity to manage shipments more efficiently.
To support shipment logistics, blueprints are underway for extra storage at Port Qasim, holding 30,000 metric tons. This undertaking is slated to commence by late 2025, after necessary procedures.
Permanent repairs on existing storage will be completed within 4-5 months by December 2025, ensuring seamless export operations.
The Port Qasim Authority will partner with the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) to potentially use the underutilized Sahiwal berth for clinker shipments.
These steps are part of a governmental plan to strengthen the maritime sector and enhance export competitiveness, particularly in cement and clinker, contributing to economic progress and trade advancement.