Pakistan and China have moved a step closer to launching a major maritime and heavy industrial project at Port Qasim, as senior officials from both sides held detailed discussions on the proposed Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex (IMIC).
A five-member delegation from China’s Shandong Xinxu Group, led by its chairman Hou Jianxin, met Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Chaudhry to review the project framework, according to a report by the Associated Press of Pakistan.
Valued between $1.1 billion and $2.2 billion, the proposed complex is being seen as a potential game-changer for Pakistan’s maritime sector, shipbuilding industry, and steel production capacity.
Key Components of the Project
Officials said the IMIC is ready to shed its focus on three core components which is meant to revive and modernize Pakistan’s industrial base. These include the revival of the Iron Ore and Coal Berth jetty, commonly known as the steel jetty, the establishment of shipbuilding and shipbreaking facilities, and the construction of a modern steel mill fully integrated with port operations.
The steel jetty was originally developed to serve Pakistan Steel Mills and has the potential to handle large bulk shipments of iron ore and coal. It is capable to accommodate vessels ranging from 55,000 to 75,000 deadweight tonnes, with a conveyor system extending 4.5 to 8 kilometres that links the port to stockyards and blast furnaces.
Government Seeks Detailed Proposal
During the meeting, Minister Chaudhry welcomed the Chinese group’s interest and directed them to submit a detailed unsolicited proposal outlining a clear roadmap for the project. He kept on emphasizing that the need for well-defined implementation timelines, along with comprehensive technical, financial, and environmental feasibility studies.
Read more: Turkiye and Pakistan sign major oil, gas and mining deals in landmark energy cooperation
Once submitted, the proposal will be checked by a joint review committee comprising officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and representatives of Shandong Xinxu Group. The committee will be led by Additional Secretary Umar Zafar Sheikh.
Focus on Sustainability and Jobs
The minister emphasized that the project must show alignment with Pakistan’s broader industrial and sustainability goals. He highlighted job creation, value addition, and environmentally responsible practices as key priorities.
The IMIC concept was first introduced in November 2025 during a Port Qasim Authority event, where the port was recognized as one of the world’s most improved container terminals. Branded as the “Steel-to-Green Sea” initiative, the plan is intended to link ship recycling with
- Domestic steel production
- Reducing reliance on imported steel
- Promoting recyclable materials
Strategic Importance for Pakistan
If approved, the IMIC would be among Pakistan’s largest industrial investments in recent years, significantly strengthening Port Qasim’s role as a regional hub for heavy manufacturing, maritime logistics, and industrial exports. The project also reflects growing Pakistan–China cooperation in high-value industrial development beyond traditional infrastructure projects.