Pakistan’s improved transshipment policy had resulted in the beginning of international transit activities on its ports, particularly Gwadar Port.
The change of policies by the government regarding transshipment helped Gwadar Port become more functional. As a result of new policies, 200 tons of first fish cargo was transshipped to China.
Under the special directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) took the initiative to kick-start this operation at Gwadar Port.
In his recent tweet, Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood said the Ministry of Commerce and Pakistan Customs have successfully handled the first fish cargo to be transshipped to China. This was a trial run handling 200 tons of fish catch. The fish has been transshipped in eight reefer containers. This will hopefully be the encouraging beginning of transshipment policy and will increase Gwadar Port operations, he added.
A dedicated Directorate of Transit Trade has also been established at Gwadar to work closely with the stakeholders and transform Gwadar into a transit trade hub.
To encourage and facilitate this further, the rules were amended to facilitate free flows of containers. As a result of this proactive approach and support of all stakeholders, in the coming days, more vessels containing international cargo including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), steel pipes and DAP fertiliser for transit to Afghanistan, are scheduled to arrive at Gwadar Port.
According to a statement issued by the FBR, Gwadar is all set to become the hub of international transshipment and will help the country in earning much-needed foreign exchange in the future.
“This successful international transshipment will open new avenues of economic development for the country and is a testament to our readiness for international business,” it said. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lijian Zhao also expressed his pleasure over the start of international transit activities at the port. He said, “We are glad to see the new progress. We support Gwadar Port’s greater role in regional cooperation in trade and goods.”
THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED ON CHINA ECONOMIC NET
Published in The Express Tribune, November 27th, 2020.
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