ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is stepping up efforts to improve maritime connectivity and position its ports as regional trade gateways, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar chairing a high-level meeting on Saturday to review progress on port reforms.
The secretary of maritime affairs gave a detailed briefing on the current status of Pakistan’s ports and their utilization capacity, according to a statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X.
Location ‘an asset’
Dar said Pakistan’s geographical location is an asset that should be fully utilized.
“The country lies at the crossroads of Central, South and West Asia. By improving connectivity, the country could get maximum economic benefits.”
The committee reviewed measures to enhance the development, efficiency and competitiveness of Pakistan’s ports.
‘Regional trade gateways’
According to the statement, discussions focused on improving port connectivity, streamlining operational processes, strengthening inter-agency coordination, facilitating trade and logistics, and advancing reforms to position Pakistan’s ports as efficient regional trade gateways.
The meeting was attended by the ministers for law and justice and maritime affairs, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, the secretary of maritime affairs, the director general of the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), the chairman of the Karachi Port Authority, and senior officials from relevant departments.
PM Task Force on Maritime Reforms
The benefits of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Maritime Reforms have begun to materialize at Pakistan’s ports, with measures taken by institutions represented on the task force, including the National Logistics Corporation, improving operational efficiency.
A successful strategy has been implemented to modernize ports, improve operational efficiency, and develop Pakistan into a transshipment hub.
The customs clearance system has been improved through the integration of the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) with relevant government agencies.
WeBOC system
Upgrades to the Web-Based One Customs (WeBOC) system and the implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) have significantly accelerated customs clearance, while a new system now allows goods declarations to be submitted before a vessel arrives.
Progress has been made on policies to improve coordination among national ports, establish a uniform tariff structure and designate specific ports for different types of cargo.
Steps are being taken to strengthen the railway network and the track-and-trace system.
