As the hub of a logistics network that stretches across the country, Port Mohammad Bin Qasim is Pakistan’s largest container handling and bulk cargo port and a crucial supply chain interface. The port provides a development framework for efficient handling of cargo through Increasing operational capability, capacity building and infrastructure development. The management of Port Qasim Authority under the visionary leadership of Federal Minister for Ports & Shipping Senator Babar Khan Ghauri adopted a proactive approach to play its due role in the economic development of the country. Consequently, a new era has started ushering which would have far reaching repercussions in the development of Pakistan.
A brief purview of current development activities is as under: During the first quarter of current financial year, PQA handled a cargo volume of 6.73 million tonnes registering an increase of 11 % over corresponding period of last financial year and 4% over planned targets. Parallel to the same shipping during 1st quarter of 2009-10 also increased by 10% and 7 % respectively over corresponding period and planned targets. Noteworthy feature is that exports showed an increase of 55 % while imports marginally increased by 1 % during the 1st quarter of 2009-10 over corresponding period of last financial year.
All capacity building projects at the port are being undertaken on BOT basis without costing a penny to the national exchequer. Port Qasim has been the venue to attract largest foreign direct investment in Pakistan. Presently three projects namely; 2nd Container Terminal, Grain & Fertilizer Terminal and Coal, Clinker/Cement Terminal, entailing FDI to the tune of around 600 million US$, are actively being pursued. Regarding 2nd Container Terminal, 44 % work has been completed so far. Similarly thirty nine(39)% work on Grain & Fertilizer Terminal has been completed. Vital negotiations for Implementation Agreement are being held for Coal, Clinker/Cement Terminal. Likewise conditional NOC are being issued to proposed LNG Terminals for carrying out QRA (Qualitative Risk Analysis) studies. Increasing operational efficiency is another significant constituent of port strategy. Acquisition of powerful tugs and pilot boats coupled with increasing port parameters is aimed to boost the trade. To facilitate berthing of larger ships, the project of Deepening of Navigation Channel is being undertaken on Design, construct and Finance basis at a cost of more than Rs. 16 billion. To accelerate pace of industrialization, PQA is making all out efforts to develop infrastructure facilities in various industrial zones. PQA has recently awarded contract for development of infrastructure facilities to M/s FWO and NLC at a cost of Rs. 8.8 billion in Eastern Industrial Zone. Adopting the structural reforms and long-term planning, as outlined, will enable the port to build its competitive strengths and provide added value to port customers, stakeholders and the community being developed in and around the port.
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