Islamabad: The sub-committee of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs was informed on Tuesday that the Gwadar Port is all set for transit trade and is expected to receive its first ship next week, according to the news sources.
The officials from the Maritime Affairs ministry briefed the sub-committee on transit trade and transhipment. It was announced that the Afghan Trade Transit (ATT) Module needed some adjustments and, after initial testing, is ready for application.
The first ATT shipment is expected to arrive on 8 October, with more to follow in time. The sub-committee was informed that the Gwadar Port will compete with Dubai and Singapore, and is likely to attract business due to added incentives like no cargo demurrage fees and three month storage facilities.
Upon the sub-committee’s enquiry, the officials assured the attendees that no additional taxes will be imposed on the Chinese companies who wish to establish (or invest in) storage facilities for fish processing within the port, or on its outskirts.
The meeting discussed the legal framework for fish dumping and reprocessing facilities at Gwadar Port for the local and foreign investors. The convener of the meeting Senator Kauda Babar said that the major investors will be asked to employ local human resources.
It was also mentioned that the PC-1 of Eastbay Expressway Project was up for inspection by the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC).
The meeting stressed for a national policy for fishing trawlers, so that a uniform system can be implemented nation-wide. The sub-committee was also informed that PTCL has agreed to install Optic Fibre in the area to improve internet connectivity.
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