Pakistan Minister Advocates Edible Oil Import Jetty
Karachi: Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister, Qaiser Sheikh, has emphasized the requirement for a new dedicated jetty for edible oil imports to contribute to the country’s shipping and port facilities. He indicated that the idea will be discussed after taking views from all stakeholders.
Sheikh informed that the use of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) ships for importing edible oil can save foreign exchange. He also said tax relief for FATA and PATA areas would not be provided in the upcoming budget.
While on his visit to the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA), Sheikh announced the establishment of a committee. The committee, with members from PVMA, Port Qasim, PNSC, and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, will sit together to discuss the issues of the edible oil sector and come up with practical solutions.
PNSC Expanding Fleet
In a bid to increase the shipping power of Pakistan, the minister disclosed that the PNSC would expand its current fleet of 12 ships with four more cargo ships. Sheikh insisted that the government would investigate alternative options along with the industry, such as chartering extra vessels, to address the situation on a better footing.
If increased jetty capacity is found to be beneficial, the government reaffirms its assurance of providing proper support for the enhancement of the infrastructure.
Meeting Industry Concerns
Sheikh has also promised members of PVMA that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs would make payments blocked by it at utility stores. Additionally, he disclosed that MAERSK Lines, being a key shipping line, expressed interest in injecting $2 billion into Pakistan’s port and shipping infrastructure.
He accepted that demurrage charges at the ports have resulted in enormous financial losses to the industry and promised the PVMA that the ministry is committed to addressing these problems at the earliest.
This drive for a separate edible oil import jetty, increasing the size of the PNSC fleet, and working with industry players is expected to enhance the efficiency of Pakistan’s port operations and save on foreign exchange.
