Islamabad: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh along with the officers of Ministry of Maritime Affairs in meeting with the senior officials of Danish Shipping Company Maersk Line on November 11, 2024
Islamabad: November 11, 2024 – A high level delegation of leading Danish companies of Maritime sector held meetings with Minister Maritime and Minister Finance of Pakistan in their ministries in Islamabad. The delegation consisted of Mr. Keith Svendsen, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of APM Terminals, Mr. Rene Piil Pedersen, Managing Director A.P. Moller Maersk Singapore, Mr. Ahmed Hassan, SVP of A.P. Moller Maersk Group, and Mr. Sander Riemersma, Head of Portfolio Strategy APM Terminals.
The meeting was also attended by H.E. Jakob Linulf, Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, Ambassador Shoaib Sarwar, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Denmark
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh welcomed senior officials from Maersk Line, the Danish shipping giant, in a key meeting ahead of the visit of the Danish Foreign Minister to Pakistan.
During the meeting, Minister Shaikh emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to collaborate with Maersk Line, which has committed to a landmark investment of USD 2 billion in the country’s maritime sector.
The Minister described this investment as a significant achievement for Pakistan’s shipping and logistics industry, underscoring the potential for long-term economic benefits from enhanced cooperation.
The officials of Maersk Line show full confidence on Government of Pakistan and Ministry of Maritime Affairs. They said that they are satisfied before this major breakthrough of investment.
Minister Shaikh reassured Maersk officials of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs’ full support in facilitating their operations and addressing any challenges that may arise. “We are fully prepared to work with Maersk Line and ensure a smooth and efficient process for their investment,” the Minister stated.
He further added that the terms and conditions of the partnership were being finalized, and that today’s meeting was invaluable in establishing a clear understanding between the two parties ahead of a formal agreement.
The Minister expressed optimism that this collaboration would pave the way for further foreign investment and contribute to the growth of Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure.
In concluding the discussion, Minister Shaikh reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing any issues that may emerge, ensuring that the Maersk investment would be fully supported and encouraged.
This partnership with Maersk Line is expected to generate numerous opportunities in port development, job creation, and overall economic growth, further solidifying Pakistan’s position as a key player in the global shipping industry.
In meeting with Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, the discussion focused on the progress made as a follow-up on the signing of a (MoU) last month between Pakistan and Denmark to enhance bilateral cooperation and accelerate sustainable economic growth through promoting and enhancing green and sustainable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment.
Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb welcomed APM Terminals commitment to invest in Pakistan and assured full support in facilitating the Group and providing them with a level-playing and investment-friendly climate in Pakistan.
Mr. Keith Svendsen briefed the Minister on APM Terminals’ business portfolio and its plans for building port infrastructure in Pakistan for enhanced revenue growth and improvement in regional trade and connectivity.
Minister for Finance held a meeting with Ambassador Shoaib Sarwar, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Denmark, who called on the Finance Minister at Finance Division today.
During the meeting, various aspects of bilateral ties and ways for further enhancing cooperation and collaborations in the field of trade and commerce between Pakistan and Denmark were discussed. The Minister highlighted the role of Pakistani diaspora in the socio-economic uplift of Pakistan.
Ambassador Shoaib Sarwar apprised the Minister about the current state of bilateral ties and the scope and opportunities for further business ventures and collaborations. He also highlighted the role of Pakistani expatriates settled in Demark for strengthening bilateral ties and promoting commerce and cultural exchanges between both the countries.
