Thursday, July 17, 2008
KARACHI: A vessel, MV Ocean Trader, carrying 36,000 metric tonnes of wheat imported from Ukraine berthed at Port Qasim on Wednesday afternoon.

A source in the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) said here that the ship will start unloading the wheat as soon as possible.

He said another ship, MV Al-Abam Belle, loaded with 36,000 metric tonnes of imported wheat will arrive at Port Qasim on Aug 4. The TCP had so far awarded contracts for the supply of 656,000 metric tonnes of wheat to eight firms under two tenders.

The latest contracts were awarded to six bidders for the supply of 516,000 metric tonnes of wheat at the rate of $409.88 per tonne on July 3 while the first contract was awarded to two firms for the supply of 140,000 MT of wheat at the rate of $399.45 per tonne on June 18 for July shipment.

The government has tasked the TCP to import 2.5 million tonnes of wheat to meet the shortage for the prime staple food. The TCP has invited bids from pre-qualified foreign suppliers for the purchase of 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat of latest crop from international sources. The tender will be opened on July 26 at the corporation’s principal office.

http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=124470