As a sequel to this, he said, Pakistan's exports were handicapped in gaining any competitive edge in the international market, making it difficult to increase exports for which the country has been desperately trying. Moreover, in so far as conducive policies, in this regard, are concerned, he offered the services of FPCCI to the government in framing them so as to help develop the shipping industry of Pakistan, which would consequently increase its exports.
It will be noted that the enthusiasm he displayed about making development of national shipping really purposeful was inspired by the convincing briefing the delegation had received from the Chairman of Pakistan International Container Terminal, on its background and working during the short period of three years of its operation.
That FPCCI delegation's visit proved conceptually rewarding should become evident also from the indications of positive reaction of the other members too, notably, the former presidents of the Federation. For one, former FPCCI President Iftikhar Ali Malik is reported to have lauded the briefing, terming it as very instructive and saying that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry would be developing a dry port to handle both import and export containers. Viewed in this perspective, understandable should be the prompt response to the briefing.
For, exposure to models of success and excellence are always apt to stir urges for completion of various tasks close to one's heart. In so far as the plight of Pakistan's shipping sector over a long period is concerned, it has remained the focus of attention of prospective investors moved by ideas of enlightened self-interest, and with a keen eye on the gains to the nation's economy.
Tracing the debacle of private shipping to its ill-conceived nationalisation in 1970s, one cannot but lament that despite two decades having elapsed since its reversal it has not been possible to revive the industry even after several efforts made in that direction.
This has reference, in particular, to the overall initiatives taken during the last five years for the country's economic revival, with a marked emphasis on development of ports and shipping. Needless to point out, a headway is certainly discernible in the development of ports, but the shipping side is still languishing as before.
This is, however, not to say that the government has remained unconcerned about it. The authorities have certainly taken a number of measures, culminating in the adoption of the National Shipping Policy, inspired by the ideas of its speedy revival.
This, obviously, refers to the support extended to entrepreneurs and professionals, thereby providing encouragement to investments in a so heavily capital intensive and highly challenging sector.
However, as earlier pointed out in these columns, real progress in this vital sector cannot be measured from development of ports and infrastructure alone, a great deal is still left to be desired, at least, in so far as creation of viable national shipping industry is concerned.
A beginning in that direction was made from incentives to the private shipping companies. However, in view of the serious problems still faced by private investors understandable should be their hesitation to respond to the desired extent.
For one thing, among other problems discouraging its development, conspicuous by their severity are the taxes and duties that serve as a serious disincentive, thereby prohibiting the sector's growth.
This needs to be properly addressed side by side with other enabling measures to ensure an unfailing flow of investment in the shipping industry.