Modern seaports vital for boosting trade, exports, investment: Iftikhar Malik

LAHORE, Aug 09 (APP): South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Chamber of Commerce and Industry former President Iftikhar Ali Malik on Sunday stressed the need to integrate Pakistan’s seaports with special economic zones (SEZs), road and rail networks, and warehousing facilities to establish an efficient logistics ecosystem capable of boosting trade, exports and investment.

In a statement, he said efficient seaports significantly reduce logistics costs, enhance export competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) by providing seamless connectivity to international markets. He added that modern ports also generate employment opportunities, support industrialization and strengthen the national economy.

He said countries equipped with technologically advanced ports enjoy a competitive edge in global trade by lowering transportation costs, improving supply chain efficiency and ensuring the timely movement of exports and imports. He noted that seaports had evolved beyond cargo handling into integrated logistics and industrial hubs that facilitate international commerce, attract investment and stimulate economic growth.

He said modern seaports had become indispensable to the global trading system as the most economical, efficient and reliable means of transporting goods across international markets. He said sustainable port development, environmental protection and digital transformation should remain central to Pakistan’s maritime strategy. Investing in world-class port facilities and improving trade facilitation measures, he added, would help increase exports, attract international shipping lines and strengthen Pakistan’s position as a gateway for regional and global commerce.