Maritime Minister Seeks Faster Work on One-door Port Business Facilitation Centre
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has directed to accelerate work on establishing a one-door facilitation centre in Karachi to provide port-related business services under one roof.
During a weekly review meeting, the minister reviewed ongoing projects and initiatives of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, focusing on facilitating maritime trade, strengthening the fisheries sector, and developing the country’s blue economy.
Chaudhry emphasized the need for expediting work on the proposed One-door Cell for business facilitation, stating that the initiative aims to simplify access to government services for port-related businesses. He noted that this aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision for trade facilitation and stated all services related to port trade should be available in one location.
The meeting also discussed:
- Simplifying ship registration and fishing vessel registration processes.
- Measures concerning the blue economy and tax incentives for fisheries exporters.
- Progress on the National Maritime Policy, National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, and Shipping and Transhipment Policy.
- Development projects at Port Qasim, including the Sea-to-Steel Project and the proposed Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex.
- Rehabilitation of the Manora Workshop of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and various development projects at Gwadar Port.
- The Maritime Educational Endowment Fund for supporting maritime education and human resources development.
Chaudhry directed relevant officials to maintain project momentum and ensure timely progress, with special emphasis on measures that can improve ease of doing business in the maritime sector.