Islamabad: A task force led by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, convened to address and strategize on enhancing the competitiveness of Pakistan’s cement and clinker exports.

The meeting provided a comprehensive review of logistical and infrastructural challenges impacting export efficiency. Critical discussions centered around cargo movement on Lyari Expressway, with the Ministry of Communications estimating associated costs at Rs. 4 to 5 billion.

The National Highway Authority updated the forum on two major motorway infrastructure projects, Sukkur-Hyderabad and Hyderabad-Karachi, with projected costs of Rs. 600 billion and Rs. 400 billion, respectively. Despite these developments, unresolved issues on Malir Expressway faced by DHA and Cantonment authorities were highlighted as requiring immediate attention.

Efforts to enhance export logistics included connecting truck marshalling yards to railway tracks. The Port Qasim Authority announced a 50 percent reduction in port charges to incentivize exporters, while Karachi Port Trust charges have remained low since 1994.

To facilitate cement exports, SAPM Khan proposed talks with the Sindh government to secure land for extending the railway track. A sub-committee will engage with the Chief Minister of Sindh to advance these plans.

The task force noted that 40,000 tons of cement are being exported from Port Qasim’s Berth No. 2 to the United States, underscoring the sector’s global competitiveness. SAPM Khan emphasized the need to enhance storage capacity at Port Qasim to meet the export target of 1.5 million tons next year.

Cement exporters at the meeting echoed the necessity for increased storage facilities to cater to rising international demand.