Pakistan’s maritime and industrial landscape could be on the brink of a massive transformation as China’s Shandong Xinxu Group has expressed interest in investing up to €2 billion in a mega industrial project at Port Qasim.
A high-level five-member Chinese delegation, led by Chairman Hou Jianxin, met with Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry to discuss plans for an ambitious Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex (IMIC) — a project that could redefine Pakistan’s heavy industry ecosystem.
What Is the Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex?
The proposed IMIC is not just one project — it’s a full industrial revival plan, built around three core pillars:
🔹 Revival of the Iron Ore & Coal Berth (Steel Jetty)
🔹 Shipbuilding and Shipbreaking Facilities
🔹 A Port-Integrated Steel Mill
At the heart of the plan is the revival of the long-neglected Iron Ore and Coal Berth (IOCB), originally built to serve Pakistan Steel Mills. The jetty can handle massive cargo ships carrying up to 75,000 tons, with a dedicated conveyor system directly linking the port to steel production facilities.
Why This Matters for Pakistan?
If approved, the project could:
✔️ Revive Pakistan’s dormant steel and shipbuilding capacity
✔️ Create thousands of direct and indirect jobs
✔️ Reduce dependence on imported steel
✔️ Strengthen Port Qasim as a regional industrial hub
✔️ Inject billions of euros in foreign investment
Minister Junaid Chaudhry welcomed the Chinese interest and formally invited the group to submit a detailed unsolicited proposal, including feasibility studies covering technical, financial, and environmental aspects.
“Steel-to-Green Sea”: Industry Meets Sustainability
Branded as the “Steel-to-Green Sea” initiative, the project introduces an integrated model that links ship recycling with domestic steel production — allowing Pakistan to reuse recyclable materials while cutting import costs.
The minister stressed that sustainability will be a non-negotiable priority, with a focus on environmentally responsible development, value addition, and long-term industrial growth.
What Happens Next?
Once the Chinese group submits its comprehensive roadmap, a joint review committee — comprising officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Shandong Xinxu Group — will evaluate the proposal.
The committee will be led by Additional Secretary Umar Zafar Sheikh and will determine whether the project moves forward to approval.
A Strategic Moment for Port Qasim
Interestingly, the IMIC concept was first unveiled in November 2025, shortly after Port Qasim was recognized as the world’s ninth most improved container port — a milestone that highlights Pakistan’s growing relevance in global maritime trade.
If the project goes ahead, it would rank among the largest recent foreign investments in Pakistan’s industrial sector, signaling renewed global confidence in the country’s long-term economic potential.
