KARACHI: The Pakistan Single Window is a promising development that would be a game changer for the Maritime Industry in Pakistan. It has the potential to streamline processes, reduce corruption and enhance transparency. All stakeholders need to join hands to help the government build the legal environment to the level of international standards and unleash the potential of growth that can take Pakistan’s blue economy into a new era in the region.” This was stated by Faisal Sabzwari, Federal Minister of Maritime Affairs in his message at the National Seminar on Good Governance, Best Practices and Integrity Measures in Maritime Industry of Pakistan.
Muhammad Rajpar, Vice Chairman Karachi Port Trust and Member Board of Directors of Port Bin Qasim, representing the Federal Minister on the occasion, appreciated the efforts of the Global Compact Network Pakistan (GCNP) and Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) in bringing the stakeholders together for collective action to promote good governance by combating corruption in the Maritime industry. He emphasized the need for modern infrastructure, security, competition, lack of skilled workforce, financing, environmental issues and a complex regulatory framework that needs to be addressed to unleash the full potential of the blue economy.
The Seminar was organized to launch Collective Action against corrupt practices in the Maritime industry and was attended by a large number of stakeholders including representatives from shipping companies, shipping agents, customs agents, freight forwarding association and other sectoral bodies and associations, port & shipping authorities, custom officials and related government departments.
Majyd Aziz, President GCNP in his welcome remarks appreciated the presence of stakeholders in such a large number which reflected their commitment to participate in the drive for collective action to improve the performance of the blue economy in the country. He exhorted all to join the movement to reduce corruption and unfair practices.
Fasihul Karim Siddiqi, Executive Director GCNP explained the objectives of the Seminar and specially thanked Jonas Erlandsen, Senior Lead, South Asia MACN, Mathias Bak, Associate MACN and Martin Zapata, Academic Programmes Senior Officer, International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) for their participation as this would benefit stakeholders by their knowledge and experience in combating the menace of corruption through best practices in South Asia.
Naveed Abbas Memon, Chief Domain Officer, Pakistan Single Window (PSW) made a very comprehensive presentation on initiatives taken by Pakistan Single Window in improving good governance in the Maritime sector.
Mayhar Mustafa Kazi, Partner, RIAA Barker Gillette presented a very lively and informative paper on legal reforms for improving good governance in Maritime industry and issues of shortage claims.
Jonas Erlandsen, Senior Lead, South Asia MACN in his presentation introduced MACN and highlighted their initiative and experience in combating corruption in the industry while Mathias Bak, Associate MACN made a presentation on the global best maritime practices.
Commander Idrees, Assistant Professor Maritime Department, Bahria University Karachi made a presentation on preparing educated youth for the promotion of good governance in the Maritime sector of Pakistan.
A Panel of experts discussed various initiatives and challenges in good governance and best practices in the Maritime sector. The panel discussion which was moderated by Muhammad Akram, Project Manager GCNP comprised of Shah Zaman, Managing Director Zaman Agencies Pvt. Ltd, Ex-Senior VP (KCAA), Martin Zapata, Academic Programmes Senior Officer, International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA), Rizwan, Head of Compliance & Customs Affairs, DP World and Shinji Roberto Nagasawa, Programme Management Officer, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Wajid Ali, Director General, Pakistan Customs Academy in his remarks as the Guest of Honour appreciated the initiatives taken by MACN and GCNP for playing a positive role in addressing the issues of good governance and assured full support of his Academy in promoting awareness and disseminating information about best practices among stakeholders which could serve as a guide for stakeholders to bring transformational change in the performance of the blue economy.
Syed Tanvir Ahmed, Ex-member Customs and Project Advisor, GCNP presented a Vote of Thanks, especially highlighting the visit of MACN Delegation. He said that their exhaustive interaction with the stakeholders through 28 meetings held within a period of one week has created immense awareness among stakeholders about the issues and challenges in the way of addressing the menace of corruption in the Maritime sector. He expressed the hope that the Collective Action of stakeholders in the form of social dialogue generated through these meetings and deliberations of the Seminar will help the stakeholders in achieving their objectives effectively and efficiently.
