Hutchison Ports Announces $1 Billion Investment in Pakistan

The Hutchison Ports has unveiled a $1 billion investment plan for Pakistan, focusing on upgrading its existing terminals to improve operational efficiency, logistics connectivity, and automation.

According to an official statement, the investment will cover infrastructure development, road improvements to streamline cargo movement, the modernization of HPKICT into a state-of-the-art automated terminal, and the creation of a 52-hectare logistics park to enhance trade connectivity.

The announcement came during a meeting between a Hutchison Ports delegation and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad on February 28. The delegation was led by Andy Tsoi, Managing Director of the company’s Middle East & Africa Division, and included South Asia Pakistan Terminal CEO Changsu Kim, Karachi International Container Terminal CEO Navaid Qureshi, and Hutchison Ports Pakistan Head of Government Relations Taimur Khan Afridi.

During the meeting, the delegation provided an overview of Hutchison Ports’ 25-year presence in Pakistan, highlighting its operation of two key terminals—HPKICT and HPSAPT. Over this period, the company has contributed more than Rs225 billion in government revenues and created employment opportunities for 5,000 individuals.

Additionally, the investment will support automation upgrades such as remote quay cranes, automated RTGs, electric trucks, and digitized gate operations. The plan also includes training programs for maritime professionals in port operations, management, and AI applications. The delegation noted that the investment is projected to generate at least $4 billion in revenue over the next 25 years through royalty, rent, and tax contributions.

Finance Minister Aurangzeb praised Hutchison Ports’ commitment to Pakistan’s maritime sector and recognized its role in enhancing trade and economic activity. He reassured the delegation of the government’s dedication to maintaining a business-friendly environment to attract foreign investment and emphasized the importance of strategic investments in driving economic growth and infrastructure development.

In January, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan aims to pursue additional joint ventures with Hong Kong while exploring opportunities for secondary listings of its companies in the city.

Speaking to the South China Morning Post during the Asian Financial Forum 2025 on January 13, he highlighted the potential benefits of Pakistani companies forming joint ventures with local firms to facilitate primary and secondary listings on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. He emphasized that such initiatives could lead to a mutually beneficial exchange of investment between Pakistan and Hong Kong.

Aurangzeb also pointed out that Pakistani companies and banks have historically preferred secondary listings on the London Stock Exchange, primarily due to limited awareness of Hong Kong’s strong reputation as a global capital-raising hub. He suggested that Hong Kong could take further steps to position itself as a preferred destination for companies looking to raise capital.