AD Ports Group Opens Islamabad Office To Strengthen Trade And Logistics In Pakistan

AD Ports Group has opened its first office in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital. This marks a significant step in their international expansion and commitment to trade and logistics in South and Central Asia. The new office is strategically located near key federal ministries and regulatory bodies, enhancing engagement with government stakeholders and advancing infrastructure and trade initiatives.

The Islamabad office complements AD Ports Group's global network of over 140 offices. It will serve as a hub for client interactions and administrative tasks, supporting operations in ports, maritime, logistics, and industrial development sectors. The office aims to facilitate strategic partnerships and deepen collaboration with government entities.

In recent years, AD Ports Group has made substantial investments in Pakistan. They committed $295 million to develop container, bulk, and general cargo terminals at Karachi Port’s East Wharf. These investments align with the Group's strategy to transform Pakistan into a regional trade hub.

AD Ports Group entered the Pakistani market in 2022 through a 50-year concession to develop container terminal berths at Karachi Port’s East Wharf. In 2023, they signed another 50-year concession for general cargo berths. These agreements have introduced world-class systems and practices, boosting Karachi Port’s productivity.

The Group has also signed several high-level agreements to expand its logistics ecosystem in Pakistan. These include a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pakistan Board of Investment for an industrial zone near Karachi Port and a strategic agreement with Pakistan Single Window for a digital trade platform.

Enhancing Regional Connectivity

AD Ports Group's initiatives aim to modernise Pakistan’s logistics infrastructure, attract foreign investment, and enhance regional connectivity. A collaboration with the Bahria Foundation focuses on marine services, while Noatum Logistics plans a multi-modal corridor linking Pakistan with Central Asia through integrated transport solutions.

The Islamabad office provides a foundation for these objectives by enabling closer engagement with stakeholders. It supports project delivery and contributes to Pakistan’s goal of becoming a leading regional trade gateway.

Bilateral Relations Strengthened

The inauguration ceremony was attended by notable figures from both countries. From Pakistan, attendees included Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister; Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs; Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Federal Minister for Railways; Jam Kamal, Federal Minister for Commerce; Attaullah Tarrar, Federal Minister of Information; Khalid Hussain Magsi, Federal Minister for Science.

Representing the UAE were Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador in Pakistan; Abdulaziz Zayed Al Shamsi and AbdulAziz Al Balooshi from AD Ports Group. Their presence highlighted the strong bilateral relationship and shared vision for economic cooperation between the two nations.

Vision for Economic Transformation

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director of AD Ports Group said: "The opening of our Islamabad office represents a key milestone in our global expansion strategy and underlines our deep and enduring commitment to Pakistan." This move positions AD Ports Group as a key contributor to Pakistan’s economic transformation through strategic partnerships.

Pakistan's geographic position as a maritime gateway to Central Asia is crucial to AD Ports Group’s vision of an integrated trade corridor from China to Europe. The Group has already expanded into markets like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia along this corridor.

With inputs from WAM