Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has invited international shipping companies to invest in Pakistan.

Addressing Global Maritime Trade Summit in Hong Kong, he said a new maritime policy will be introduced and foreign investors will be provided with tax exemptions and other incentives.

The Minister said Pakistan's geographical location is of great importance as it allows for easy transportation of goods to China, Central Asian countries and the Middle East.

Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said work is progressing rapidly at the Gwadar Port, and it is expected to be fully operational soon. He said the federal cabinet has directed that fifty percent of trade should be conducted through this port. This port is of immense importance for trade with China, Russia, Hong Kong, and other countries.