US firm to build $200 million World Trade Centre at Port Qasim

ISLAMABAD (March 03 2005): A US company would build a World Trade Centre (WTC) at Port Qasim at a cost of $200 million, said Federal Ports and Shipping Minister Babar Khan Ghauri. The ground-breaking ceremony of the WTC would be held this month, the minister told a private television. Ghauri expressed satisfaction on the working of the Port Qasim, and stressed the need for development of the industrial estate in surrounding area of the port in collaboration with local and foreign investors.

He said the port and shipping sector are the backbone of country's economy as 96 percent imports and exports are carried out through it, adding the government was making efforts to enhance cargo capacity at all ports in the country.

The minister vowed to bring Pakistan ports at par with the developed ports of the world by providing all facilities.

Babar Ghauri said that scanners are being installed at all ports for quick customs clearance of goods, adding the scanning facility has been provided at Port Qasim while the installation process is under way at Karachi Port Trust.

The minister said the rail links leading towards ports are being upgraded to facilitate exports and imports.

To a question, he said efforts are under way to bring back expatriate Pakistani vessel operators, working at international ports, adding there is majority of Pakistanis who are operating vessels at Dubai port.

Accordingly, a committee comprising these Pakistanis is in place which would submit their recommendations to meet the target.

He expressed the hope that soon a number of vessels hoisting Pakistan flag would be witnessed in world waters.


Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan