A Chinese industrial group will submit a comprehensive feasibility study for Pakistan’s proposed Sea-to-Steel Green Maritime Industrial Corridor at Port Qasim, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said, as the government reviewed plans to accelerate the flagship initiative aimed at boosting domestic steel production.

According to an official statement, Anwar Chaudhry chaired a high-level review meeting on Friday focused on advancing the Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex (IMIC), a major project designed to modernize industrial operations through port infrastructure upgrades, shipbuilding and recycling facilities, and an integrated steel mill.

Representatives from China’s Shandong Xinxu Group attended the meeting, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs. Port Qasim Authority Chairman Rear Admiral (Ret.) Syed Moazzam Ilyas joined via video link from Karachi, Gwadar Pro reported.

The Chinese group, which has shown keen interest in the initiative, will submit an unsolicited feasibility study covering financial impact assessments, structural and hydrographic analyses, and quantitative risk evaluations.

The IMIC includes three core components, including the revival and upgrading of the Iron Ore and Coal Berth (IOCB) jetty. The facility will support ship recycling and repair, with recycled scrap feeding an integrated steel mill to revive domestic production capacity. Branded as the “Sea-to-Steel Green Maritime Industrial Corridor,” the project aims to connect ship recycling with steel manufacturing, reducing reliance on imported raw materials while leveraging recyclable scrap generated locally.

Minister Chaudhry positioned IMIC as a key driver of Pakistan’s blue economy by creating industrial value through maritime assets.

“Once submitted, the proposal will undergo thorough review before any decision,” Chaudhry said.

“If approved, IMIC would rank among Pakistan’s largest recent maritime and industrial investments, cementing Port Qasim as a regional hub for heavy industry and logistics.”

Pakistan continues to seek foreign investment in ports and industrial infrastructure to boost exports, create jobs, and ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

Chaudhry noted that integrated recycling, manufacturing, and logistics projects could reduce steel imports and strengthen domestic production.

The minister emphasized that any approval would depend on alignment with national priorities, including job creation, value addition, and adherence to sustainable development standards.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China