Launching speed boat service for Dubai export in December: Kamran Michael
Decision on ferry transportation service for Iran will be made on the 29th of October.
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Kamran Michael on Tuesday stated that a speed boat transportation service for exports to Dubai will be launched before December this year. Official decision on commencement of ferry transportation service for Iran will be made on the 29th of October, Michael stated.
The Federal Minster for Ports and Shipping announced of the new development during an address to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and during a discussion with the media.
Senator Michael also stated that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), officials of the customs services and all stock holders are on board and have been taken into confidence. Michael also informed that the matter had also been discussed with the Iranian government and operators after which the ferry service for Iran will be launched soon.
The Federal Minister stated that the fare for the ferry service will be more expensive than the bus service but will be half as compared to the fare for air travel. Michael further stated that a ferry service from Karachi to Gwadar will also be initiated for the ease of travel for interested businessmen.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce meeting was also addressed by Chairman for Businessmen Group Siraj Qasim Taili, KCCI President Younas Bashir, former President KCCI Zubair Mottiwala and A.Q Khalil while Zia Ahmed Khan, Naeem Shareef and KCCI’s correspondent in Karachi Port Trust Dr. QaziAhmed Kamal and Iftikhar Ahmad Vohra were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, the Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping also announced the dissolution of a committee formed to address and advise on KCCI’s reservations pertinent to shipping, saying that a new committee will be formed soon after discussion with KCCI so that the problems faced by traders can be solved and matters related to ports and customs can be handled easily.
Michael also announced that representatives nominated by KCCI will be included in the committee along with representatives of other sectors. He further stated that this will be done to prevent conflicts between the KCCI and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI).
The Federal minister stated that the difficulties faced by the trader community will be lessened even further and many such steps had already been taken while much more needed to be done. Michael commented that improving the administrative mechanisms of ports and shipping will take time and their sole purpose is to provide better facilities at ports of Karachi.
Expressing concern over issue raised by KCCI President regarding Logistic Service Provider Regulatory Authority (LSPRA) bill, the Federal Minister assured that he will discuss the matter with the Minister for Trade and Finance and Ministers of relevant departments.
Michael also stated that he had ordered his Ministry to collect reports within 2 months, from those departments in which audits had not been conducted.
