The government has introduced several new incentives related to transshipment to improve the competitiveness of the country’s ports and attract international shipping companies. Officials say that this move is expected to make port services more efficient and also increase Pakistan’s regional trade importance.
According to Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, under the new package, port handling charges for transshipment ships have been significantly discounted, while wharfage fees at Karachi Port have also been significantly reduced to reduce operating costs and provide better facilities to shipping lines.
According to the announcement, containers will be provided with free storage facility at Karachi Port for a limited period, while this period has been further extended in the TPX area. On the other hand, along with the abolition of wharfage charges at Port Qasim, free storage facility is also being provided at terminals, with scope for further expansion as required.
The Minister for Maritime Affairs said that several container terminals have also reduced terminal handling charges, which is expected to benefit importers, exporters and the logistics sector financially.
He added that a simple and uniform policy is being implemented by abolishing the previous SROs and notifications related to transshipment so that it is easier for businesses to implement the rules and regulations.
According to experts, if the new incentives continue and the speed and efficiency of port services improve further, Pakistan can strengthen its competitive position for transshipment and maritime logistics in the region, which is also expected to have positive effects on trade, investment and supply chain.