UAE’s AD Ports Group has signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Government of Pakistan to explore collaboration opportunities across maritime, air, rail transportation, and digital services.
“The UAE and Pakistan have long-standing strategic relations, with a common will to commence a new phase of prosperity in trade and investments,” stated Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade.
The agreements were made with Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, Karachi Port Trust, and Pakistan Airports Authority.
Under these MoUs, both parties will explore potential collaborations in areas such as customs, rail infrastructure, airport development, and maritime shipping and logistics. If pursued, these partnerships would further expand AD Ports Group’s operations within Pakistan.
The focus of the MoUs spans multiple transport and trade sectors, including improvements in digital customs systems, the development of dedicated freight rail corridors, the modernization of the maritime fleet and services, and enhancing logistics and transport infrastructure at Pakistan’s key airports.
AD Ports Group is a significant investor in Pakistan, a crucial trade gateway to Central Asia and Russia. In partnership with Kaheel Terminals, AD Ports Group is managing and developing container, bulk, and general cargo operations at the Port of Karachi, Pakistan’s primary seaport, with an investment of nearly US$400 million over the next 15 years.
The UAE is one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a key source of foreign investment, contributing over US$10 billion over the last two decades, as reported by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. UAE-Pakistan trade reached US$7.9 billion in 2023, a 12% increase from the previous year.
