GENEVA (Special Correspondent) – Federal Minister for the Board of Investment (BOI), Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, met with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Chief Executive Officer Soren Toft in Geneva on 13 November 2026 to discuss potential investment opportunities within Pakistan’s maritime and logistics sectors. The discussion focused on leveraging Pakistan’s strategic location to enhance regional trade connectivity and attract global shipping expertise.

Key Points

• Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh met with MSC CEO Soren Toft to explore expansion of the firm’s engagement in Pakistan.
• The Minister highlighted the potential of Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Gwadar as critical gateways for international trade.
• MSC agreed to send a delegation to Pakistan to evaluate firsthand investment opportunities in infrastructure and logistics.
• Potential areas of cooperation include port-related infrastructure, container handling, warehousing, and integrated supply-chain solutions.

Strategic Maritime Opportunities

During the meeting, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh emphasized Pakistan’s strategic geographical position, which provides vital access to major regional markets. He underscored the importance of developing the country’s maritime infrastructure, noting that the involvement of a global industry leader like MSC could significantly boost Pakistan’s logistics and trade sectors. The Minister explained that Pakistan is eager to strengthen its global trade footprint by inviting advanced maritime networks into its territory.

Soren Toft expressed keen interest in expanding the company’s business presence in the country. Both parties acknowledged that the potential for long-term collaboration is high, given MSC’s extensive global reach, which encompasses roughly 21–22 percent of global container shipping capacity. This meeting follows broader government efforts, similar to initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth through international partnerships.

Expanding Pakistan’s Logistics Infrastructure

The proposed visit of an MSC delegation to Pakistan is expected to pave the way for concrete discussions regarding specific projects. The government’s objective is to streamline the entry of foreign investors, thereby improving the nation’s overall logistics capacity. By focusing on areas such as transshipment and warehousing, the Ministry expects to improve investor confidence and facilitate regional maritime commerce.

The Board of Investment continues to promote Pakistan as a hub for international maritime companies looking to expand their regional reach. As the country works to upgrade its port capabilities—noting the necessity of competitive infrastructure like that seen in other large-scale industrial developments—the partnership with an organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, represents a major milestone in economic diplomacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main purpose of the meeting in Geneva?

The meeting aimed to discuss investment opportunities in Pakistan and ways to expand the engagement of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) within the nation’s shipping and logistics sectors.

What is the next step for this partnership?

The Federal Minister invited an MSC delegation to visit Pakistan to explore cooperation opportunities firsthand, and the company has agreed to arrange this visit for further detailed discussions.