KARACHI: All Pakistan Shipping Association (APSA) has rejected allegations of overcharging and said its member shipping companies are complying the laws of Competition Commission of Pakistan and their tariffs are clearly mentioned on their websites.
Chairman, APSA Aasim A Siddiqui while talking to a group of reporters here on Tuesday said that Pakistan’s trade heavily relies on foreign shipping lines, and unwarranted allegations and irresponsible statements by local institutions supported by port authorities can negatively impact the interest of foreign shipping lines in operating within Pakistan.
He said APSA is the representative body of shipping fraternity that handles the entire seaborne trade of Pakistan amounting to almost $70 billion and contributes several hundred million dollars to the national exchequer each year.
He noted that Pakistan relies on sea transportation for over 95 percent of its imports and exports which must flow freely through Pakistan’s single sea strategic communication system for survival and sustenance of the nation at all times.
Due to recent economic recession in the world, the global trade has dwindled and so is shipping and shipbuilding industry. “Our industry is also a victim of ill planning, lack of vision oriented policies and political interests”, he said adding that drastic steps are required to revamp this industry, so that it can contribute towards national progress.
Siddiqui said shipping companies operating in Pakistan are taking charges as per the fixed tariff and the reports of taking additional charges are false. “APSA will talk to all stakeholders ad will play every possible role for as there is a need for reforms in maritime trade policy”, he added.
He said that shipping industry is playing an important role in the economic development of the country. “The allegations have been coming for last few days and we are being accused that the shipping companies are taking exorbitant charges”, he said.
He termed all these reports and news as false and noted that all the shipping companies are charging different charges according to the fixed tariff. “We provide work and services according to the government trade rules, policies and fixed tariffs”, he said and added there are 20 foreign shipping companies operating in Pakistan.
He said the groundless and defamatory allegations against the world renowned shipping companies and terminal operators that have heavily invested and are operating in Pakistan, which is nothing but an attempt to discourage foreign investors from coming to Pakistan.
He said that due to various problems since COVID-19, over 10000 thousand containers are lying at the ports for various reasons, while 1000 containers related to Afghan Transit Trade are stuck due to the closure of the border. He requested the government to solve this problem.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024