KARACHI: The Export Promotion Zone (EPZ) at Port Qasim has been urgently advised to arrange requisite machinery to expedite the clearance of consignments, following the implementation of a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Directorate of Transit Trade (HQ). The Office Order, effective from January 1, 2025, necessitates the tracking and monitoring of bonded cargo under the Tracking and Monitoring of Cargo Rules.
To effectively implement the new SOP for EPZ consignments, it is crucial to arrange the necessary machinery and develop the newly allocated examination yard within the Karachi Export Processing Zone (KEPZ). The lack of these arrangements would hinder the clearance process and lead to terminal congestion. Due to lackluster attitude of EPZA, exports is suffering.
On the instructions of Collector Exports Port Qasim, Sadia Sheraz, Deputy Collector Syed Amin Haider Shah stressed the need for the immediate arrangement of at least two Crane Container Stackers (45-ton capacity) or similar machinery. Additionally, she emphasized the development of the newly allocated examination yard to avoid any potential delays or disruptions.
A letter was issued to the EPZ due to their lack of cooperation. The EPZ was granted a one-month permission period due to their unavailability of cranes. Starting from February 7, containers will be loaded in a reverse position to prevent the opening of container gates until offloading is complete.
The Port Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT) currently has a backlog of over 700 containers, while the South Asia Pakistan Terminals (SAPT) has more than 200 containers. SAPT has stated that they will not issue more than 15 passes per day due to gate congestion caused by truck convoys.
Transporters face significant challenges as heavy traffic is restricted to moving between 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. QICT issues 30 gate passes per day, and the formation of convoys has exacerbated the situation. The imported goods, primarily raw materials for the EPZ, have caused delays for exporters, who are already suffering due to these complications.
The implementation of the new SOP, coupled with the immediate need for appropriate machinery and examination yard development, is essential to ensure the smooth clearance of EPZ consignments at Port Qasim. The timely cooperation and action from the EPZ authorities will be crucial in preventing further delays and mitigating the impact on exporters.