Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has formally invited vanaspati manufacturers to establish an edible oil industrial city at Port Qasim, signaling the government’s push to expand industrial infrastructure and attract major private investment.
Speaking to members of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) following the inauguration of the PVMA House, the minister assured that the government will provide all necessary facilities and streamline support to realize the proposed industrial hub.
Acknowledging the edible oil sector as a vital revenue driver—generating substantial custom duties and sales tax through imports—Junaid Anwar highlighted broader master-planning efforts aimed at transforming Port Qasim into a hub for manufacturing, exports, and commercial enterprise.
Strategic Industrial Zones Planned at Port Qasim:
- Edible Oil Processing Zone: Proposed dedicated cluster for vanaspati and edible oil refiners to centralize processing and import handling.
- Automotive Processing Zone: To be established across 150 acres, with capacity expanding in phases based on market demand.
- Apparel Zone: Planned over 250 acres; the first phase alone is projected to generate $2.2 billion in annual exports and create over 138,000 jobs.
Addressing Infrastructure & Resource Challenges
Addressing long-standing land allocation issues, the minister confirmed that discussions are underway to resolve administrative hurdles, promising that land will be allotted to investors presenting viable business proposals.
To overcome water scarcity challenges at the port, Junaid Anwar proposed a joint venture with the PVMA to establish and operate a dedicated seawater desalination/treatment plant to secure reliable water supplies for industrial operations. He reaffirmed that public-private partnerships remain central to the government’s strategy for port development and national economic growth.
