FDPT performance highlighted

The Faisalabad Dry Port Trust (FDPT) handled 28,277 export cargo containers worth Rs 54 billion during the fiscal 2003-04, ending June 30, 2004, while 3,298 import cargo containers having a value of Rs 10 billion arrived at the Faisalabad Dry Port during this period.
This was stated by FDPT Chairman Shahzad All Siddiqi here on Saturday.
He said during financial year ending 2002-03, the FDPT had handled 26,655 export cargo containers which were 1,622 less in number as against those of 2003-04.
Shahzad Ali also said the FDPT is affording maximum possible facilities to the exporters of the Faisalabad region for enhancing country's exports and thus help earn foreign exchange for the country.
He said CBR Chairman Abdullah Yousaf and Customs Collector Hafiz Mohammad Anees have acceded to his request for extending the time of the evening shift at the Faisalabad Dry Port from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm, and now the Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (Pral) is accepting the export documents at the dry port till 8.00 pm, and the export goods are despatched to the Karachi Port the same day after custom clearance.
Shahzad Ali said the credit also goes to the FDPT for introducing the first ever "On-Line Tracking System" which connects the Faisalabad Dry Port with five of its check-posts en route Karachi for 24 hours. Now the exporters clearing agents and even the foreign buyers could themselves monitor the location of their en route cargo by utilising FDPT web-site.
The FDPT chief expressed his gratitude to CBR Chairman Abdullah Yousaf for deferring the implementation of the installation of "tracking devices" on 'bonded carriers' for indefinite period on his request.
He said since the Faisalabad Dry Port is operating its own "tracking system" and hence the order of the Collector Appraisement, Karachi, for the installation of 'tracking devices' should not be applied on the carriers registered with the FDPT.
He claimed that credit also goes to Faisalabad Dry Port that the Shipping Lines issue the 'On Board B/L' to the exporters the same day they despatch their cargo from Faisalabad Dry Port, and this has enabled the local exporters to negotiate with the local banks, and get the amount of their export bills from the banks on the very strength of these bill of lading (B/L) within a day or two.
He also said the Customs Dry Port, Faisalabad, also clears the duty drawback claims to the exporters of Faisalabad within a week's time, whereas it takes months together to get the rebate claims payments from the Customs of the Karachi Port and other upcountry dry ports.