March 22, 2007	Thursday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 2, 1428

KARACHI, March 21: Chinese Minister for Communication Li Shengin has shown keen interest in the Karachi Port’s ongoing development projects that will enhance its cargo handling capacity besides equipping it with modern and automated systems.

The Chinese minister, who was heading a nine-member delegation including Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui, paid a visit to the Karachi Port Trust on Wednesday where the minister was given a comprehensive briefing about current and future projects of the port by KPT Chairman Vice Admiral Ahmad Hayat.

The delegation was informed that Pakistan Deepwater Container Port project with

18-metre draft was being under taken and this would enable the port to handle mother vessels.

Furthermore, the delegates were informed that the Karachi Port was in the process of deepening the existing channel to cater 16-metre draft vessels for which the existing berths would also be reconstructed.

The Chinese minister showed keen interest in future mega projects.

He appreciated the policies of the Ministry of Ports and Shipping and the vision of the KPT management in transforming the port to a fully automated port.

The KPT chairman informed the delegation that the port would become a regional transhipment hub which would ultimately result in freight charges reduction.

He further said that super post Panamax vessels from nearby ports would give preference to the Karachi Port which would amplify the trade and economic sector of the country.

The KPT chairman also emphasised on the role the logistics network played to bolster trade activities and informed them about the contributions the port was making in reconstruction and rehabilitation works such as major roads, flyover and under-passes in the city.