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Cabinet body okays Shipping Policy 2000

RAWALPINDI: The Cabinet Committee on Ports and Shipping on Thursday approved in principle, the Shipping Policy 2000.

The Committee, which met here with Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf in the chair, also approved in principle, the Merchant Shipping Ordinance-2000.

The committee referred the Shipping Policy and Merchant Shipping Ordinance to the Federal Cabinet for approval and promulgation.

The Chief Executive in his remarks on assured government's support for improving the working of the ports and shipping sector.

The meeting was held in light of the decisions taken at the joint session of the National Security Council (NSC) and Federal Cabinet on January 5. The meeting also reviewed the prioritisation of existing developmental and operational plans in these sectors.

The Chief Executive highlighted the need for setting up performance parameters and translating all strategies and plans in specific timeframe.

The Chief Executive also stressed upon the need for having performance parameters for individuals as well so that they could share responsibility. They should be give incentives for their achievements. He said that steps should be taken to encourage private sector participation through transparency and by removing lengthy procedures, rules and regulations.

Secretary Communications Dr Akram Shaikh apprised the participants about the plans, priorities, implementation strategies and recommendations on ports and shipping with the aim of maximising output, facilitating trade and minimising wastage.

With regard to the shipping sector it was decided that in addition to the public sector, the private sector would also be encouraged to play its role in a competitive atmosphere.

It was also decided that the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation should purchase on oil tanker in light of growing demand for oil in the country.

In order to achieve independent and professional status of port sector it was recommended that steps should be taken for initiating the corporatisation of Karachi Port Trust and Port Qasim Authority.

It was also recommended the ports should diversify and generate more revenue from other sources such as real estate, etc. It was decided that private sector should be involved in development of the port infrastructure and operations.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Abdul Aziz Mirza, Minister for Finance and Econoic Affairs Shaukat Aziz, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Usman Aminuddin, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock Shafqat Ali Shah Jamote, Secretary Commerce, Chairman Karachi Port Trust, Chairman Port Qasim Authority, Chairman Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and Director-General Ports and Shipping. APP