KARACHI: The Minister for Ports and Shipping, Senator Kamran Michael, has termed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA) and Bahria Foundation as a major achievement towards realisation of government policies of expanding exports and increasing trade of the country.
He was speaking as chief guest in a gathering here on Saturday, to witness the signing ceremony, which was attended by more than 800 guests from Ports, Shipping Lines, Shipping Agents, Port Authorities, Bahria Foundation, Bahria University, Airlines, Terminal Operators, CFS, Banks, Insurance Companies, Bonded Carriers, Stevedores, Dry Ports, Officials of Customs, ANF, and PIFFA member companies besides the top officials of the Ministry of Ports and Shipping.
The gathering was organised to celebrate the second PIFFA Excellence Award which also became the platform for the signing of MoU which endeavours to open new vistas in the trade and commerce of Pakistan.
Minister Kamran Michael said that this first transhipment hub is aimed at creating 5000 job opportunities and billions in taxes for the Government. He welcomed the timely decision of the Government to seek accession to TIR Convention for the transit trade to landlocked Central Asian Countries, thus exploiting the dual benefits of China Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Transhipment Hubs.
He opined that these measures will make the motherland an “Asian Tiger” a dream of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He termed the MoU as breakthrough for establishment of Cargo Villages and Transhipment Hubs at Karachi, Qasim and Gwadar ports; and at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports.
He also requested for suitable land to build PIFFA Logistics Academy, with its own funds, in the vicinity of KPT or Lalazar Area.
He applauded the efforts being made by PIFFA for the establishment of Transhipment Hubs, Cargo Villages in Pakistan and for the establishment of PIFFA Logistics Academy for the benefit of Freight Forwarding and Logistics Companies, allied stakeholders and general public. He assured that the Ports will mobilise resources in this respect.
Earlier, while speaking on the occasion, Chairman Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association, Asim Saeed Khan, highlighted that “the role of PIFFA is representing the interest of Freight Forwarders and Logistic Service Providers, to the Government and its relevant Departments, besides providing door-to-door service.”
The Freight Forwarders Role is being enhanced by the establishment of a Transhipment hub as a joint venture with Bahria Foundation, he added.
Later, Excellence Awards were conferred in 19 categories to various shipping lines, airline, shipping agents, stevedores etc. Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred to industry veterans. The awards distribution ceremony was followed by a musical programme wherein well known singers and comedians entertained the audience.
