• Wants advanced scanning machinery, uninterrupted cargo delivery
• Says modernising ports can unlock billions of dollars in revenue

KARACHI: In an immediate response to Central Asian countries’ interests in using Pakistan ports as their trade channel, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday directed local authorities to pull their socks up to enhance the efficiency of ports by installing advanced scanning machinery and ensuring uninterrupted cargo delivery, targeting “billions of dollars” in revenue against such services.

During a daylong visit to Karachi, PM Shehbaz held multiple meetings on a single-point agenda: reforms in the ports and shipping sector, with a focus on modernising the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) to position it as a regional trade hub.

After landing at PAF Base Faisal, he proceeded to KPT, where he chaired a crucial meeting on the ports and shipping sector.

Accompanied by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and senior officials, PM Shehbaz first received detailed briefings on port operations and the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). He then outlined his agenda for chairing the hours-long meeting.

“Recently in Kazakhstan [during the SCO summit], I met several world leaders, including Russian President [Vladimir] Putin and heads of Central Asian states,” the Prime Minister’s Office quoted him as saying.

“The Central Asian countries have shown keen interest in using Pakistan ports for their trade acti­vities. Pakistan is the most effective trade route for the Central Asian countries. By placing modern systems at our ports and making them more effective and accessible, we can generate billions of dollars in revenue. To utilise the maximum capacity of our ports, we need to take immediate steps and make it our priority,” he said.

PM Shehbaz shared his thoughts on bringing “reforms in the ports and shipping” sector that led to a detailed plan after a lengthy discussion with hopes that such a move would also increase exports from the value-addition industry by developing the existing ports in Karachi.

“Steps should be taken to reduce the customs clearance time by installing modern equipment and machinery at Port Qasim and Karachi Port,” he said.

He also stressed the need for uninterrupted delivery of goods from Karachi Port, adding that for this reason the Lyari Expressway “should be kept open for cargo traffic 24 hours a day.”

“A comprehensive action plan for the regulation of shipping laws should be prepared and presented soon,” the PM Office statement said, adding that the prime minister had also directed that the fee for LNG ships at Port Qasim be reduced and fixed according to prevailing rates at the international level.

PM Shehbaz also asked the PNSC to “formulate and present a comprehensive plan to reduce its cost and make its operations effective”.

“Development of the private sector in the country, ease of doing business and convenience for investors are the top priorities of the government,” he said.

Only last week, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, PM Shehbaz invited Central Asian countries to “avail the facilities of Pakistani seaports” for transit trade, receiving a positive response from Tajikistan.

Separately, in his one-on-one meeting with Tajik PM Kokhir Rasulzoda, PM Shehbaz emphasised the need for establishing road and rail links between the two countries and offered the Central Asian country.

Many believe the prime minister’s fresh Karachi visit is a result of the same emerging partnership between the two countries.

His emphasis on the “critical strategic importance of Pakistan in the region” during the meeting further strengthened this impression.

“Pakistan offers the most suitable maritime trade route for Central Asian states. With modern systems and improved access to our ports, Pakistan can earn billions in foreign exchange,” the premier added.

PM Shehbaz also instructed the PNSC to develop a plan to reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to private sector growth, ease of doing business, and facilitating investors.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2024