Page 430 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT- NOVEMBER 2024

As per those MoUs, the parties will explore potential collaborations in customs, rail, airport
infrastructure, and maritime shipping and logistics, which, if pursued, would expand AD Ports
Group’s activities in the country.

The focus covers a wide range of basic transport and trade areas, ranging from improving digital
customs controls, to developing dedicated freight rail corridors, to upgrading the nation’s maritime
fleet and marine services, as well as cooperation in enhancing the logistics and transport services
in Pakistan’s main airports.

AD Ports Group is a major investor in Pakistan, which is a strategic trade gateway to Central Asia
and Russia.

With UAE partner Kaheel Terminals, AD Ports Group is developing, operating and managing
container, bulk and general cargo operations at the Port of Karachi, Pakistan’s major port, where it
has agreed to invest almost $400 million over 15 years.

The UAE is one of Pakistan’s largest trade partners and a major source of foreign investment, which
has amounted to more than $10 billion over the last 20 years, according to the UAE Ministry of
Foreign Affairs.

The UAE-Pakistan trade volume rose to $7.9 billion in 2023, up 12 percent from 2022, according to
the UAE Ministry of Economy.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, stressed that the UAE and
Pakistan have long-standing strategic partnerships in many sectors.

“The MoUs signed today establish a new phase of prosperity in trade and investment. They will
contribute to providing new opportunities for the business communities and private sectors on
both sides, support sustainable development efforts, and stimulate joint economic growth to
achieve the mutual interests of both countries and peoples.”

He added, “There is a common will between the two countries to advance their trade and
investment relations to new heights in main priority sectors”.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said,
“With these MoUs today, AD Ports Group will explore ways to identify potential projects and
opportunities for mutual growth that will strengthen ties between the UAE and Pakistan, in line with
our wise leadership vision. We are committed to enabling trade by enhancing regional connectivity
and help Pakistan maximise its role as a growing, regional trade partner.”

The MoUs are the latest in a developing relationship between the Group and Pakistan related to
upgrades to the regional partner’s trade, transport and logistics infrastructure.

https://en.aletihad.ae/news/business/4528201/uae-s-ad-ports-group--pakistan-government-sign-
4-mous-to-enh