Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Kamran Michael has asked Port Qasim Authority (PQA) officials to provide incentives to the investors and port users by revisiting the land allotment policy.
He also directed that development projects at the port including dualisation of PQA road from T-junction should be completed within the shortest possible time and the port should be equipped with the latest gadgets/facilities to make it services efficient and cost competitive in the region, which would in turn promote industrialisation the area.
The minister issued these directives during his visit to Port Qasim, said a press released here on Wednesday.
The ports minister appreciated the efforts of PQA towards the growth and development of the national economy and directed the PQA Management to extend all sorts of assistance to port users and industrialists by making the rules friendly for the private sector to investment in the port.
He also directed the PQA management for early recovery of outstanding dues from the defaulters and ordered that chronic defaulters would be dealt with strictly to ensure timely recoveries.
He desired that ship-breaking industry may be encouraged at the PQA land to boost the economy and to create new job opportunities.
Regarding the issue of tug boats, the minister stressed that the PQA should preferably have its own tug to reduce the cost rather than hiring tugs.
Michael also cruised around the port in a boat and noted the port facilities and terminals.
He also visited the Eastern Industrial Zone of Port Qasim and directed for early completion of all on-going development projects.
He assured the PQA management that the government would provide assistance and help for infrastructure development work and other PQA projects as well.
Furthermore, the minister reiterated the vision of the government and emphasised that there was a need to develop political will to revive the economy, address energy shortfall, create new jobs, turn the wheel of construction industry and create public facilities for recreation.
In this regard, he added, that the PQA’s future development project once implemented would alone be contributing substantially in achieving government objectives.
He assured that his government would ensure good governance and integrated efforts for development of the country and for the prosperity of the nation per Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz mission. Later, the minister was given a warm send off by the PQA officials.
Earlier, on his arrival at the port, the federal minister was accorded a warm welcome from the PQA management and workers.
PQA Chairman Agha Jan Akhtar gave a detailed briefing to him by highlighting the role that Port Qasim could play in the economic revival of the country.
The chairman apprised the minister about the completed infrastructure development works in PQA industrial zones, and development of proposed LNG terminals.
