January 22, 2003	Wednesday	Ziqa’ad 18, 1423

KARACHI, Jan 21: Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has condemned the arbitrary increase by Karachi Port Trust (KPT) in wharfage charges on export by Rs35 per ton on bulk cargo and Rs50 per container.

In a statement the chairman REAP, Abdul Rahim Janoo has expressed his fear that the hike in wharfage charges will invariably affect exports particularly in the present circumstances when rice exports have just commenced.

He further said that rice exporters are already facing tough competition in the world market from India, Burma, Vietnam because these countries have dropped their prices.