28 August 2004	Saturday	11 Rajab 1425

KARACHI, Aug 27: One ship carrying 45,000 tons of wheat from Russia will reach the Karachi Port by September 15, while another with 50,000 tons of Australian wheat will arrive on September 26.

According to Trading Corporation of Pakistan Chairman Syed Masood Alam Rizvi here on Friday, loading of wheat had already started at the Russian port Neberossysk and would sail in next few days.

Another ship will berth Australian port Kembla by September 4 and sail by September 7 for the Karachi Port. The TCP had awarded a quantity of 484,000 tons of wheat to four parties at an average price of $210 per ton of C&F Karachi against its tender for the import of 500,000 tons of wheat to meet domestic requirements.

Cargil Inc of Switzerland has won the award for 84,000 tons; Australia Wheat Board for 100,000 tons; Agrico Trade and Finance of Switzerland for 150,000 tons; and Louis Dreyfus Corporation of the US 150,000 tons.

A local private sector wheat importer who preferred not to be quoted said there was no complaint about Russian wheat except its colour. "This wheat is consumed in Turkey, Egypt, Malaysia and Algeria and it has more protein and gluten than the US wheat. The added advantage is its price. Let the wheat come. You will see yourself," he added.

Meanwhile, the TCP has made amendments in its second tender for the import of 450,000 tons of wheat floated last week. According to TCP sources, these minor changes had been made on the request of bidders at the pre-bid meeting held on August 25 at the corporation's head office. -APP