ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has called for an accelerated effort to establish a one-door facilitation centre in Karachi, aimed at centralizing port-related business services. The directive was issued during a weekly review meeting focused on the Ministry of Maritime Affairs’ ongoing projects and initiatives.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting assessed progress on various projects and policy initiatives to enhance maritime trade, strengthen the fisheries sector, and develop the country’s blue economy. The minister emphasized the need for expedited work on the One-door Cell, which intends to streamline access to government services for businesses involved in port activities.

The initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of trade facilitation, intending to consolidate all services related to port trade under one roof. Discussions also covered proposals to simplify the registration processes for ships and fishing vessels, policies concerning the blue economy, and potential tax incentives for fisheries exporters.

Additionally, the meeting included briefings on progress towards the National Maritime Policy, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, and deliberations on the Shipping and Transshipment Policy. Development projects at Port Qasim, such as the Sea-to-Steel Project and the proposed Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex, were also reviewed.

Further discussions addressed the rehabilitation of the Manora Workshop at the Karachi Port Trust and various development initiatives at Gwadar Port. The Maritime Educational Endowment Fund, intended to support maritime education and human resources development, was also considered. The minister instructed relevant officials to maintain the momentum on these projects, emphasizing the importance of improving the ease of doing business in the maritime sector.