The interim government is reviving the process of privatisation of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) aiming to make it operational soon and ease container congestion at the countrys premier Chittagong seaport. The Ministry of Shipping held a brief discussion on the NCT privatisation process on January 24 at the ministry and decided to go for a detailed discussion in the next four to five days.

The present government is taking number of steps including discussion with port users and other stakeholders to start the process. Earlier, the immediate past BNPled government in its cabinet approved a decision on privatisation of operation of the countrys largest container Terminal. As per the cabinet decision, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) invited an international tender in middle of last year. But the move failed due to opposition from a section of port employees and dockworkers. They resorted to agitation and shut down the port activities on a number of occasions.

The issue was also discussed at a meeting held between port officials and the port users at the CPA boardroom January 22 last. Port users at the meeting stressed on the immediate implementation of the cabinet decision taken by the immediate past government.

At least 60 per cent backup facilities is already been completed, but making other facilities like erecting of fences, construction of rail track and power supply available will take about one year time.

24hour cargo clearance starts in Pakistan ports from February

The Central Board of Revenue of Pakistan will launch a new cargo clearance system from February 1 which will remain operative 24 hours, seven days a week, at all airports and sea ports, the Business Recorder reported on January, 23. The chairman of the board, M. Abdullah Yusuf, on January 22 announced the launching of the new system at the quarterly conference of collectors of customs and collectors (Appeals).

CBR has finalised arrangements for launching of the new cargo clearance system. In this regard, the CBR has approached National Bank of Pakistan for working on 24 hours basis. A detailed meeting of CBR and NBP officials was recently convened at Karachi. Responding to CBRs request, the NBP agreed to open all its branches for seven days on 24 hours basis for customs purposes. The branches would facilitate the clearance process on regular basis, sources said.

Meanwhile, CBR chairman informed the collectors conference that the new cargo clearance system would facilitate trade, both imports and exports. It would not only save time to a large extent but would also considerably reduce the cost of doing business. The CBR Chairman said that the new initiative is in the best interests of trade. All clearance points will work 24 hours in all seven days of a week.