One-Window Port Service on the Cards

Pakistan’s maritime minister has proposed bringing port-related services for exporters and importers into a single business facilitation centre, a move intended to reduce delays and simplify trade procedures.

Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry presented the proposal while chairing a meeting on progress on port-related projects, according to a statement. The proposed Maritime Business Facilitation Centre would place representatives of relevant organisations at one location.

Businesses would be able to access several port services without visiting different offices. A designated contact from each organisation would assist them, while an integrated system linked to the organisations’ main offices would process and track applications and cases.

The ministry said the arrangement could lower costs linked to trucking, containers, storage, demurrage, vessel delays and administrative procedures. It would particularly help businesses using port services for the first time.

Chaudhry also said standardised procedures could improve fee collection and reduce leakages. Higher trade volumes could generate additional revenue through port services, cargo handling and customs-related activity. The centre is intended to improve coordination among maritime organisations, reduce procedural bottlenecks and make services more accessible to companies involved in international trade.