Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday praised Hutchison Ports for its sustained investment in Pakistan, viewing it as a “vote of confidence” in the nation’s economic policies. The acknowledgment came during a meeting with Hutchison Ports CEO Eric Ip, as detailed in a release from the PM’s Office.

The discussion centered on both existing and prospective investment opportunities in Pakistan’s maritime and port industries. “Pakistan’s ports are entering a new era with the integration of modern technology,” the Prime Minister stated, highlighting Hutchison Ports’ significant role in this evolution. He pointed to the importance of modernizing port infrastructure, such as installing advanced scanners for customs evaluation, an area where Hutchison Ports’ involvement is seen as crucial.

Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to attracting foreign direct investment, promising to provide necessary facilities for international investors and to enhance investment-friendly policies.

Eric Ip, CEO of Hutchison Ports, commended Pakistan as a promising environment for long-term investments. He expressed a desire to expand the company’s presence in the country, with efforts underway to introduce advanced technologies at Karachi Port to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness on a global scale.

The meeting also included key government figures such as Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, alongside senior officials from relevant sectors.