Islamabad: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, along with Chairman Karachi Port Trust Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed, visited the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) to discuss strategies for increasing export growth and improving port facilitation measures. The visit underscored the government’s commitment to boosting the rice sector, setting an ambitious export target, and implementing reforms to enhance port operations.
According to Press Information Department, the REAP Chairman Malik Faisal Jahangir provided an overview of the rice sector, currently valued at $4 billion, with aspirations to reach $5 billion. Plans to expand cultivation to 30 million acres were also discussed as a means to increase both production and exports. Addressing the meeting, Minister Chaudhry urged exporters to aim for a $10 billion target in rice exports and assured them of comprehensive support from his ministry and port authorities. He highlighted that the changing regional dynamics have opened new opportunities for Pakistani ports and emphasized the government’s priority to facilitate trade over revenue generation.
The minister detailed several recent reforms aimed at improving port efficiency. Key measures include the introduction of roll-on/roll-off services, approval for bulk cargo shipments, and amendments to rules for disposing of old consignments at ports. Additionally, demurrage charges on auctioned containers have been waived to alleviate congestion, and feeder vessel services have been launched. In a significant development, port operations continued uninterrupted during Eid, handling 16 vessels over the holidays for the first time in Pakistan’s history.
Chaudhry highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographic importance and announced the initiation of bunkering services at Karachi Port, which now provides facilities to large vessels in deep-sea waters, potentially generating Rs300 billion in trade. He also noted that dredging work at the port has begun, expected to reduce costs for businesses. Upon completion in three months, vessel turnaround time is projected to decrease from seven days to two, yielding an economic benefit of Rs30 to 40 billion.
On the occasion, the KPT chairman announced a 60% reduction in port charges and the elimination of demurrage fees, measures aimed at facilitating trade and easing the financial burden on the business community.