KARACHI: During a visit to the Bin Qasim Association of Trade and Industry (BQATI), Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, praised the organization’s efforts to foster a business-friendly environment in the Port Qasim Industrial Zone. He noted the effective collaboration between the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and BQATI.
Rasheed JanMohammed, President of BQATI, detailed the association’s role in promoting industrialization at Pakistan’s first industrial port. He highlighted PQA’s initiatives, particularly in the marine sector, which now manages over half of the country’s seaborne trade. He also underscored the need to improve utility services to support further industrial growth, noting that Port Qasim is the only area with available land for development.
JanMohammed mentioned the establishment of a facilitation desk by BQATI, where teams from Karachi Electric (KE) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) visit monthly to address industrialists’ issues in the Port Qasim Industrial Zone (PQIZ).
Mian Muhammad Ahmad, Patron-in-Chief of BQATI, called for improvements in law and order and cost reductions for businesses. He proposed BQATI’s inclusion in the PQA board and raised concerns over charges for vessel shifting between berths, suggesting these should be covered by Karachi Port Trust (KPT) to ease the financial burden on businesses.
Shakil Ashfaq recommended adding an extra berth at the Fauji Akbar Portia (FAP) terminal to reduce congestion and wait times for vessels. He also advocated for building grain storage silos at KPT to enhance cargo handling efficiency, ultimately reducing costs and foreign exchange outflows.
Mehmood Moulvi highlighted the need to reassess port agreements with foreign operators to ensure they benefit the national interest. He noted a significant increase in charges at KPT, urging regulatory revisions to create a more favorable investment environment.
Senior industrialist Maqsood Ismail addressed challenges in Port Qasim, including infrastructure deficiencies and energy supply issues, which hamper industrial operations. He called for reliable and affordable energy solutions to maintain industrial competitiveness.
The Chairman of PQA, Rear Admiral Syed Hasan Nasir Shah (retd), committed to establishing an Industrial Facilitation Centre at BQATI to improve coordination and support business activities. He assured that efforts would be made to simplify the process for obtaining security gate passes for foreign investors.
Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh emphasized the importance of industrial growth for economic development and job creation. He discussed government plans to reduce policy rates and stabilize the stock exchange to boost investor confidence.
Awais Manzur Sumra, Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Development, also attended the meeting, where discussions included the preparation of a five-year roadmap for the port sector. The meeting recognized the rice industry’s significant export achievements, awarding a shield to the Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP).
The event saw participation from senior industrialists, port terminal operators, and customs officials.
