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Pakistan to declare Gwadar a duty-free port

Jul 13, 2016, 9:23 PM
News ID: 195

EghtesadOnline: Pakistan Minister for Ports and Shipping Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo said on Wednesday that Islamabad has decided to declare Gwadar port of Balochistan a duty-free port.

According to IRNA, he made the remarks while speaking at a seminar “Future Prospects of Shipping Industry in Pakistan” organized by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), in Karachi.

He added the port would be made a hub for imports and exports and also would provide transit cargo facility to regional countries. Besides, it would offer deep cut in port dues and other charges.

Referring to recent exemptions announced by the government on customs duty, general sales tax and withholding tax on imports of ships and other floating craft, the minister said that although the ports and shipping sector was faced with many issues, the country was doing well with the development of new ports.

He also said a ferry service to be started from Karachi to Gwadar, Chabahar (Iran), Muscat (Oman) and Dubai was taking time since the government has to sign a memorandum of understanding with these countries.