Karachi: Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, has apprised that Mr. Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, has in principle agreed to FPCCI’s demand that there should be a strong Shipping Lines of Pakistan’s own as the country’s traders pay PKR. 728 billion to foreign shipping lines annually – and, that too, in foreign exchange.
It is pertinent to note that Mr. Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, visited FPCCI Head Office at Federation House, Karachi, for a detailed, interactive and consultative session with the representatives of business, trade and industry – whereas, major stakeholders from terminal operators, shipping lines, customs agents and media outlets were also present on the occasion.
In a number of milestone developments, the minister not only announced the establishment of country’s own shipping lines along with the purchase of new ships to expand national fleet; but, also announced an open-door policy for the immediate resolution of issues, apprehensions and complaints of the trading community.
Mr. Junaid Anwar Chaudhry informed the gathering that Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has successfully freed lands worth PKR. 100 billion from the encroachers – and, invited the business community to invest with KPT in establishing business facilities through joint ventures.
Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh extended his full support to the ministry for the consultative process in establishing the aforementioned shipping lines – and, demanded that FPCCI representatives should be included from the very beginning to align the process with ground realities and needs.
Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, reiterated FPCCI’s view that the infrastructure cess of 1.8% that the Sindh Government collects from importers should be utilized for infrastructure development of the networks attached to the ports; industrial areas, commercial centers and the city of Karachi in general.
SVP FPCCI added that the collection of infrastructure cess amounts to PKR. 300 billion – and, entire infrastructure of Karachi and Sindh Province can be redeveloped, enhanced and internationally-aligned through these funds. The minister replied that he is ready to talk to the Sindh Government in this regard collectively with the business community in the national interest and interest of the economy.
Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon pointed out that Netty Jetty interchange is the only route to country’s largest and the busiest port, i.e. Karachi Port – and, in case of any eventuality or crisis, country’s trade will be on a standstill. Therefore, there is a glaring need to build an alternative route to divide the traffic to Karachi port.
Mr. Asif Sakhi, VP FPCCI, stressed upon the need to have a collective and synchronized approach of KPT, SBP, Customs, the ministry, the business community and customs agents to fully facilitate the traders through removal of any ambiguities or anomalies. While, custom officers are exercising their authorities in this regard; but, they should be enabled to fully facilitate the traders through removal of any bottlenecks, he added.
Mr. Aman Paracha, VP FPCCI, demanded that the ports and terminal charges should be rationalized and made regionally-competitive. Business community is already under tremendous pressure due to the exorbitant and unbearable cost of doing business in the country and looking towards the maritime ministry for facilitation, he added.
