In a meeting between a delegation from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, both sides discussed improving maritime infrastructure, port efficiency, and addressing concerns of the business community. FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized Pakistan’s strategic position as an optimal sea route for Central Asian states and urged the government to resolve business community issues to unlock the full potential of maritime trade and economy.
The FPCCI delegation, led by its President Atif Ikram Sheikh, included prominent business leaders such as the Chairman of Pakistan Chemical Manufacturers Association (PCMA) Sheikh Umer Rehan, Malik Sohail Hussain, and Kunwar Qutubuddin Khan. The delegation engaged with Federal Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on various matters of mutual interest, with a focus on enhancing operational performance and upgrading infrastructure at Pakistan’s ports.
During the meeting, discussions extensively covered critical aspects such as the promotion of the blue economy, facilitating investment opportunities, and initiating joint ventures aimed at boosting economic activity. The delegation presented concerns and challenges faced by the business community at ports, underscoring that resolving these issues was crucial for achieving sustainable maritime development and a stronger national economy.
Minister Chaudhry acknowledged the active participation and significant contributions of the private sector toward the maritime sector’s progress and the country’s overall economic stability. He assured the FPCCI leadership that the government remains committed to addressing traders’ and industrialists’ reservations to facilitate maritime trade and, subsequently, national economic prosperity.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s geographical advantage as a pivotal maritime trade route for Central Asian states, asserting that leveraging this strategic position can result in billions of dollars in foreign exchange earnings. To achieve this goal, he noted, it is necessary to improve port infrastructures substantially and adopt modern trade practices.
He further stressed the importance of reducing customs clearance time at ports by introducing advanced machinery, equipment, and technology. Such enhancements would streamline port operations, ensure timely processing of cargo, and ultimately encourage increased trade volume and international investment.
The meeting concluded with both the FPCCI and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs agreeing upon the necessity of sustained collaboration to achieve comprehensive development within Pakistan’s maritime sector, which promises immense economic opportunities and long-term prosperity for the nation.
