KPT signs MoU with Guangdong Transport

KARACHI: The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Guangdong Transport Department, China signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday for strengthening connectivity and establishing cooperation.
The MoU was signed by KPT Chairman Vice Admiral Shafqat Jawed and Guangdong Transport Department Director General Zeng Zhaogeng. The signing took place when a delegation, led by Guangdong Vice Governor Liu Zhigeng visited the Karachi port.
The vice governor said, “We have expertise in terms of administration with a transportation bureau in all the cities. And have 320 lines for the particular purpose of logistics.”
Zhigeng agreed to develop a better policy for custom clearance, joint policies for promoting freight and logistics, and strengthening information connectivity to reduce the logistics cost.
KPT chairman said both the KPT and Guangdong ports have agreed to cooperate in the field of freight and logistics, especially in the port and shipping industry; thus, serving the import, export and transhipment of goods from Guangdong.
“This would help us tackle congestion at our port, as they are already handling 54 million TEUs with throughput at around 100 million TEUs annually at Guangzhou Port,” said the chairman. The KPT’s total handling is 1.6 million TEUs annually.
Both parties also agreed to boost all-round cooperation in investment and operation by the port logistics of their respective countries.
The MOU also focuses on a manpower exchange programme to improve professional and management skills of the managers of the port and shipping industry. It was agreed by the KPT and Guangdong ports to carry out professional education and training in the field of ports and shipping and logistics.
There is also a provision for exchanging representatives and engaging administrative authorities for further consultations on common issues.
While talking to the media, Ports and Shipping Minister Senator Kamran Michael said Pakistan has restored its seat in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) after ten years, which had lapsed due to non-payment of dues. He also informed that Pakistan will contest in the IMO election for a permanent ‘C category’ seat in November this year.
The MoU plans cooperation in port and shipping logistics, strengthening communications, and establishing closer ties between the two countries, said the ports and shipping minister.
The signing ceremony was attended by top officials of the Ports and Shipping Ministry and KPT, as well as the 6 members of the Chinese delegation.
Both signatories undertook to strengthen friendly relations and cooperation in port logistics to eventually promote the economy of the districts where the ports are located.