60% port dues cut to attract transshipment

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Wednesday said the government was taking steps to provide maximum facilitation at ports to attract foreign cargo transshipment in view of the evolving regional situation. According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, chairing a high-level meeting to review issues faced by importers and exporters at ports, Chaudhry said Pakistan was well-positioned to capitalise on shifting trade dynamics, provided it ensured a competitive and business-friendly environment at its maritime gateways. He highlighted that fiscal incentives had already been introduced to attract foreign-flagged transshipment vessels. Under the new measures, vessels carrying dry bulk export cargo would receive up to a 60% concession on port dues, aimed at reducing the cost of doing business and increasing port throughput. Chaudhry urged customs authorities and terminal operators to rationalise their charges and streamline procedures to further facilitate trade. He emphasised that reducing operational bottlenecks and costs was essential to positioning Pakistani ports as a preferred destination for regional transshipment. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, while Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Pakistan Customs, National Logistics Corporation (NLC), terminal operators and the Pakistan Ships' Agents Association joined via video link. Participants discussed issues including regional competition in port dues, container scanning, customs clearance processes and handling of auctionable containers. The minister directed stakeholders to improve coordination and expedite decision-making to address longstanding challenges. Chief Collector Appraisement (South) Wajid Ali said around 1,000 containers had been auctioned, while auction of another 200 was under way.