The wharfage of coal slashed by 37 percent for both imports and exports. Wharfage cut on the imports of crude and diesel oil works out to 17 percent while 11 percent on edible oil. As far as wet charges is concerned, the source said that the PQA has reduced 20 percent (8 cents) from 45 cents to 37 cents per tone per day as compared with the Karachi Port charges.
The PQA has also announced that any ship arriving at the port would get first day (24-hour) on the same charges whereas the amount will be charged on six hourly basis. Earlier, the shipping companies had to pay full-day charges even if the vessel sails after waiting for three hours. The PQA also cut pilotage fee by 13 percent (from 30 cents to 24 cents).
This move would help a ship of 25,000 of gross tonnage save about $3,000 per day but the berth charges will be applicable at the port. Earlier, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Senator Babar Khan Ghauri told a press conference on Friday that the reduction would help bring more business for the port besides strengthening the shipping sector in the country.
Thus the government has fulfilled long-standing demand of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), as well as Pakistan Ship's Agents Association (APSA), he added. Babar asked the businessmen to take maximum advantages of this reduction and help the government achieve economic goals.
The government will provide maximum support to the business community, as they are the real builders of the national economy, Babar said.
He said President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have already directed to make all ports competitive in the region and the ministry is taking every steps in that direction.
On the occasion, the President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Khalid Feroze appreciated the efforts of the minister. He said the reduction in port charges would help boost exports and strengthen economy.
It would also reduce the cost of export and import goods besides raw materials and fetch more investment, promote industrialisation, create more jobs and reduce the cost of goods to the ultimate benefit of the consumers.
The Director General Ports and Shipping, Captain Anwar Shah assisted the minister during the press conference.
The Chairman, Port Qasim Authority, Muhammad Saleem Meenai, President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Khalid Feroze, Honorary Secretary, Pakistan Shipping Agents Association, Muhammad A. Rajpar besides other senior officers of the ministry were also present.