WASHINGTON: The entire trade of Pakistan associated with ports for imports and exports is in extreme trouble and fears because of terminal operators and shipping agents on account of extra ordinary exorbitant charges; the extra charges of shipping agents, terminal operators and forwarders sabotaging the shipping trade.
This was pointed out to the Federal Minister For Port & Shipping Mir Hasil Khan Bazenjo on his visit to Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). The Minister took a serious note of the problems and assured the members of FPCCIto bring improvement in Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Act and remove all the issues being faced by traders regarding the port authorities. Mir Bazenjo has taken this decision on pointing out the port issues by FPCCI. Expressing his personal interest, he has vowed not only to change the law but to formulate such rules which will facilitate interest of all sectors’ people, trade and industry.
The federal minister has directed to prepare a report of proposals about making the port as the most convenient and economical with smooth clearance systems. FPCCI representatives are now looking forward to have positive outcome from decisions of the federal minister for ports on the following issues: to declare custom agents a member trustee for being most prominent and round the clock stake holders, workers, users and largest service providers at ports and largest revenue payers of port wharfage, demurrage and other charges to port exchequers.