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 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 the FPCCI Head Office at Federation House, Karachi, for a detailed, interactive, and consultative session with representatives of the business, trade, and industry. In contrast, major stakeholders from terminal operators, shipping lines, customs agents and media outlets were also present on occasion.
In a series of milestone developments, the minister not only announced the establishment of the country’s shipping lines, along with the purchase of new ships to expand the 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 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 utilised for infrastructure development of the networks attached to the ports, industrial areas, commercial centres and the city of Karachi in general.
SVP FPCCI added that the collection of infrastructure cess amounts to PKR. $ 300 billion – and the 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 discuss this matter collectively with the Sindh Government and the business community in the national interest and for the benefit of the economy.
Mr Saquib Fayyaz Magoon pointed out that the Netty Jetty interchange is the only route to the country’s largest and busiest port, i.e. Karachi Port – and, in case of any eventuality or crisis, the country’s trade will be at a standstill. Therefore, there is a glaring need to establish an alternative route to divert traffic to Karachi port.
Mr. Asif Sakhi, VP FPCCI, emphasised the need for a collective and synchronised approach among KPT, SBP, Customs, the ministry, the business community, and customs agents to fully facilitate traders by removing any ambiguities or anomalies. While customs officers are exercising their authority in this regard, they should be empowered to remove any bottleneck for traders fully, he added.
Mr. Aman Paracha, Vice President of FPCCI, demanded that port and terminal charges be rationalised and made regionally competitive. The business community is already under tremendous pressure due to the exorbitant and unbearable costs of doing business in the country and is looking towards the maritime ministry for facilitation, he added.
