September 6, 2002	Friday	Jamadi-us-Saani27,1423

KARACHI, Sept 5: The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) has issued allotment letters to two private sector companies for setting up dedicated storage and handling of grain silos on most modern lines.

In compliance with the directives of government, the project was advertised by Board of Investment (BoI) on Build, Operate and Own (BOO) basis. The project is aimed at facilitating export and import of food grains through sea route in conformity with international quality standards.

The state of the art facilities to be developed through this project include silos for storage of 50,000 tons of wheat grain, processing and cleaning, bagging, blending various grains, weighing, conveyor belt, loading and unloading equipment with all ancillary facilities.

Each silo and facility project will cost Rs240 million and is expected to be completed in six to nine months. After completion of this project, the export of wheat and other grains will get a boost due to maintained quality standards acceptable world over. The facilities could also be usable in case of import of grains.

The project is being undertaken on top priority and will be closely monitored to ensure timely completion of the work.