- Port Qasim should reduce tariffs for LNG cargo ships: PM Shehbaz
- He says private sector development and investor facilitation are among the top priorities.
- “Installation of modern machinery to reduce customs clearance times.”
KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to take comprehensive measures for modernization of Karachi Port and facilitate access to the port through rail and road connectivity.
During his one-day visit to Karachi on Sunday, the prime minister issued the directives while chairing a session where he was briefed on Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim and Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC).
The high-level session was attended by Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Jam Kamal Khan, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and others.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that steps should be taken to reduce the customs clearance time by installing modern machinery. He also stressed on the connectivity of the KPT through road and railway network for easy access of goods.
He also ordered that the Lyari Expressway be kept open 24/7 to ensure unhindered supply of goods to the KPT as well as connecting the port to the Malir Expressway to enhance delivery of goods.
He ordered that the supply of goods be improved by connecting the port to a railway network.
Prime Minister Shehbaz has ordered Port Qasim Authority to reduce tariffs for LNG cargo ships and align them with international rates.
He sought a comprehensive strategy to regulate shipping lines and ordered the PNSC to cut its spending.
“Development of the private sector, ease of doing business and facilitation of investors are our top priorities,” the prime minister said, adding that the national economy is on the path to stability.
He added that the “federal government is providing maximum facilities” to exporters for the development of the country's export sector.
At the same time, the Prime Minister asked the authorities to submit a report to compare the performance of KPT with other ports.
During the briefing, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that “Pakistan has a key geographical importance in the region” and detailed his meetings with the leaders of Central Asian countries and the Russian President during his visit to Kazakhstan.
He said Pakistan provides a convenient route for Central Asian states to gain access to maritime trade, while countries also expressed interest in using Pakistani ports for trade.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan could earn billions of dollars by modernising its ports. He said Islamabad aims to improve its exports through its value-added industry after modernising its ports.
He ordered port authorities to ensure the installation of modern machinery as soon as possible and take effective measures to make full use of the advantages of the country's ports.
