Several significant important big projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework would be set up at an estimated cost of over $3 billion in Karachi. It includes fishery, three berths, housing projects and other port-related projects. These projects are in discussion with China, and a formal announcement will be made soon. Mahmood Moulvi, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Maritime Affairs, Government of Pakistan, disclosed this while addressing the august gathering at the 11th Sustainable Port & Shipping, Logistics & Supply Chain Summit & Exhibition (LOGISTICONEX), held in Karachi today.
He has also encompassed the challenges and progress of Karachi Port, Port Qasim and Gwadar port and suggested worthy measures for steering the docks to meet future challenges.
He said KPT is now capable of handling big draft container vessels and oil tankers. Besides, Eastwharf and Westwharf of port would be connected through a bridge for which port authority would sign construction contract later this month. Port Qasim has acquired four tugs to improve the port’s efficiency; he added that a new container and two general cargo terminals are planned for PQ.
He announced a new oil terminal had been added at Karachi port while another one was upgraded.
Regarding Gwader port, he has suggested that the matter is being taken up with the Chinese government to market port to function the port fully. In the past government subsidized the urea shipped to begin the shipping business, he added.
Shipping investment
The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation is going well and has now focused more on transporting crude oil and soon adding a new tanker to its fleet. He asked the local investors to come forward and enter the shipping business as the government of Pakistan offer good incentives such as concessional fiancé and ten-year exemption on income etc.
Many speakers presented thought-provoking papers, and if their suggestions are implemented, it would bring a good chance in the port infrastructure, shipping business and improve the supply chain.
The spesker inludes Mehmood Tareen, Founder & CEO, The Professionals Network, Ateeq Ur Rehman, CEO, Coastals Packers & Movers, Trade & Economy Analyst – Topic: Conference Introduction; Khurram Aziz Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Pakistan International Container Terminal – Topic: Opportunities of Improvement in Ports & Supply Chain; Mohammad Rajpar, Managing Director, General Shipping Agencies and former Chairman PSAA – Topic: CPEC Challenges from a Ports & Shipping Perspective; Khurram Mirza, Executive Director Special Planning & Projects, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation – Topic: Development in Shipping Industry; Dr. Asif Inam, HoD Maritime Science, Bahria University Karachi Campus – Topic : Challenees and Opertunities of Ocean decade for Pakistan; Mohammad Hanif Ajari, Director Export Network, Getz Pharma (Pvt) Limited – Topic: Shipping Crisis during the Pandemic Outbreak; Tariq M, Rangoonwala, Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce (Pakistan) – Topic: Evaluation of Pakistan’s Current Trade Connectivity; Aamir Khan, Senior Manager Business Development, FAP Marine Terminals Limited – Topic: Emerging Opportunities of CPEC; Saquib Ahmed, Country Managing Director, SAP- Pakistan – Topic: Digital Supply Chain Management.
Zubair Motiwala, Chairman, Businessman Group (BMG) Former Presided, KCCI has also addressed the audience and drawn government attention toward various problems Karachi business people and exporters face. He requested the government to ensure interrupted gas supply to industry to uplift the country exports.
With this, the Sustainable Port & Shipping, Logistics & Supply Chain Summit & Exhibition (LOGISTICONEX) concluded successfully, organized by the Professionals Network (TPN). The theme of the conference was “CPEC the Way to Success and Prosperity for Pakistan”.
The next Summit & Exhibition will be held in 2022, announced the organizer.