Chinese company meets President Zardari, proposes $522m for first phase of Keti Bunder port

China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) on Monday proposed a preliminary $522.34 million engineering cost for the first phase of a new deep-water port at Keti Bunder near Karachi as President Asif Ali Zardari called for the project to be developed alongside road links, power, water and industrial infrastructure, according to a statement issued by the President's Office on X. The Chinese company presented a Conceptual Master Plan for the proposed Keti Bunder Port during a meeting with President Zardari, outlining plans for a new maritime gateway with multiple terminals, logistics facilities and supporting infrastructure. The proposed Phase-I development included a multi-purpose terminal with a 500-metre quay, according to the presentation by the Chinese delegation. President calls for integrated development of Keti Bunder Port with focus on connectivity, local livelihoods President Asif Ali Zardari has called for an integrated approach to the proposed development of Keti Bunder Port, stressing that the project should be supported by… pic.twitter.com/teR6RKICxM — The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 24, 2026 Welcoming the delegation, President Zardari said Keti Bunder had “significant potential as an additional maritime gateway” that could strengthen Pakistan’s port and logistics network, and support greater connectivity and trade. He called for an “integrated approach” to the port's development, stressing that the project should be supported by reliable road connectivity, power and water supply, industrial infrastructure and other essential facilities. According to the statement, the president also emphasised the need for close technical coordination between CHEC and relevant Pakistani authorities to further develop the project. Read: Chinese fund eyes energy, infrastructure President Zardari noted that environmental sustainability should remain a key consideration in the project, particularly in regards to the protection of the “fragile ecosystem of the Indus Delta” and the interests and livelihoods of local fishing communities. Appreciating China’s continued interest in supporting Pakistan’s infrastructure and maritime development, the president encouraged continued technical engagement to further refine the master plan and identify an appropriate implementation and financing framework. The Chinese delegation included CHEC’s Chief Representative in Pakistan Wu Ping, Head of Marketing Department Wang Zongde, Engineer Xu Tielin and General Manager of Strategy and Marketing, Ali Raza. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Senators Saleem Mandviwala and Sherry Rehman, Sindh Energy and Planning and Development Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Investment and Public Private Partnership Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, and Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah also attended the meeting.