ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs Thursday observed that Blue Economy policy would attract private sector investment in the shipping sector and create an environment for growth of the maritime sector.
The committee met with Nuzhat Sadiq in the chair, here on Thursday, where the point of public importance regarding "Rent/demurrage charges on goods imported during lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic" was considered.
The Committee was also briefed on the Blue Economy Policy and the Shipping Policy.
The Committee was informed that the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) in coordination with Government of Sindh and the Inspector General Motorways ensured continuity of port operations during the lockdown due to the pandemic.
In compliance of the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) decision, KPT and Port Qasim granted extension of free period from five days (existing) to 15 days with effect from 25 March 2020 to 31 May 2020 for cargo/containers.
Senator Mirza Mohammad Afridi, mover of the point of public importance, was of the view that the decision of the ECC was not implemented by the shipping lines and container terminals.
Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said that the ministry could do little in that case and the importer would have to file civil suite to get relief from private container terminals, and shipping lines.
The committee noted that the ministry was already facilitating the affected businessmen.
Discussing the concept of blue economy, the Committee lauded the efforts of the Ministry, and said that this was the right way forward.
It would facilitate and attract private sector investment in the shipping sector and create an environment for growth of the maritime sector.
It would also help sea borne trade.
Tax exemptions and priority would be provided to fleet carrying Pakistani flag.
The committee was informed that the blue economy policy was aimed at revitalising the shipping sector, and would help in saving valuable foreign exchange of Pakistan.
Officials informed the committee that "Blue Economy" concept encompassed many industries such as ports, shipping companies, energy, renewable energy, fisheries, maritime transportation, tourism, climate change and waste management, besides others.
Members of the Committee stressed the need for taking the provincial governments on board regarding different projects of the ministry in line with the Constitution, so that the rights of provinces were adhered to.
Chaired by Senator Nuzhat Sadiq, the meeting was attended by Senator Sitara Ayaz, Senator Samina Saeed, Senator Sassui Palijo, Senator Kauda Babar, Senator Muhammad Akram, Senator Aurangzeb Khan, Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokar, Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi, and senior officers from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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