Qasim International Containers Terminal (QICT) is going to extend its online payment system to all banks in next couple of months. This was disclosed by Junaid Zameer, CEO M/s D P World during his electronic presentation at the first meeting of FPCCI Standing Committee on Ports and Terminals here the other day.
Elaborating shortcomings of manual system, he said that manual payment process carried multiple problems for all stakeholders involved in each transaction; adding that the payment of duty and taxes in cash at QICT terminal was one of the biggest issues for customers and their agents
Moreover, he said that fake invoice & charging excess amount to shippers & consignees by third party agents was also hampered service provider credibility and providing financial shocks to the customers and added that shortage payment at last minute causes delay in import delivery and export processing which was having a potential risk of export shut-out during last hours of vessel operation.
Since bank booth timing is 0900 - 1700 hours, therefore customer have to wait till next day for shipment clearance approaching after 1700 hours for payment processing or DP World staff has to deal with cash handling, he maintained.
On the other hand, online solution is a secure bank to bank payment transfer system, which will avert visiting banks and terminals, physically; he said and added that consignee & shipper could now directly get invoice from terminal operator and pay online 24/7 service with no fear of shortage of payment at last moment.
In addition, it won't only reduce rush at billing counter of the terminal but also ensure smooth operation with ample productivity. He informed that online payment solution was presently available at only one bank and QICT was planning to extend it to all banks in next couple of months.
Furthermore, CEO D P World said that they had expanded terminal area including examination, auction and parking areas to avoid port congestion and reduce dual time and cost of doing business. He said that purchase of more machinery & equipment, online payments system electronic delivery order & data transfer would help the terminal in facilitating trade & industry.
Earlier, Qamar-ul-Islam, chairman of the committee, said that traders were paying T H C and other charges to shipping agents but the same were reflecting in terminal bills.
He said that containers scanning facility was not provided but the terminal was collecting scanner and infrastructure charges from trade, which should be eliminated, immediately.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Arshad Jamal, chairman supreme council of All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA), appreciated the D P WORLD for its online payment module and added that after completion of this project, the dual time and cost of doing business, which were badly being affected, due to the delay period for import and consignments at terminals, would be reduced, considerably. Moreover, he strongly recommended mounting shed for dangerous goods at terminals to avoid any untoward incident. S M Muneer, former CE, TDAP, also spoke on the occasion.
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