ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Commerce is planning to establish Land Port Authority to supervise, monitor and accelerate trade with neighbouring countries, Customs Today learnt Tuesday.
As per plans, initially three land ports will be set-up at Wagah, Chaman and Torkham to provide all the required facilities to the exporters and importers immediately on the beginning of their foreign visits or arrival back in the country.
A well-placed source at Ministry of Commerce told this scribe here on Tuesday that the Ministry had almost completed the required paper or file work in this regard and proposal had been endorsed by almost all the concerned sections dealing with the foreign trade. “MoC prior to giving final touches to the said project held detailed discussions and consultations with all stakeholders from chambers of commerce and industries to exporters and importers, got applause from every concerned quarter on the project,” the source added. The source said that under the proposed projects, the land ports would offer services and facilities to passengers including, bus service, bank, telephone, X-RAY scanners parking and taxi, cafeteria, washroom, prayer room and others.
“Similarly these land ports will also be equipped with facilities for traders including Cargo Customs Building, Telephone, Post office, Bank, Dog Squad, Police and Cafeteria , Cargo Scanner & Under Carriage Scanner, Ware House and others,” the source described. The source said that land ports would develop and manage the facilities for cross border movement of passengers, cargo vehicles, provide space and facilities to regulatory agencies Customs, Immigration, Police and Health. Moreover, these land ports will also ensure smooth & efficient movement of passengers as well as seamless, smooth, safe & secure movement of cargo. “The very objective in the minds of the planners is to Increase and promote trade, generate employment and wealth, boost investments and opportunities, enhance people to people contact, inter dependent neighbours,” the source added.
