KARACHI, Oct 6: The government has allowed 25 per cent rebate on port dues to foreign flag vessels carrying or manned by at least 80 per cent Pakistani crew.

The ministry of communications has notified the concession on October 1, 2003, stating that the concession in port charges granted to Pakistani flag vessels shall also be extended to such foreign flag vessels which will be carrying at least 80 per cent Pakistani crew.

This incentive fulfils a long-standing demand of Pakistani seafarers, that the government should take steps to increase employment prospects of Pakistani seafarers on foreign ships.

Shipping sources said that the incentives being given to foreign ships in port charges is likely to generate sizable employment for Pakistani seafarers in regular or feeder vessels calling to country’s ports.

After 9/11 around 24000 Pakistani seafarers were reported to have lost their jobs around the world and ever since there had been a sort of undeclared ‘embargo’ imposed by foreign shipping companies on hiring the services of Pakistani seafarers.

According to shipping experts this incentive to foreign ships would mean that after every four calls to Pakistani ports the fifth call of a ship will be absolutely free of port dues and charges.

However, this will greatly benefit national exchequer as remittances from Pakistani crew members through official channels would pick up. It is estimated that on employment of additional 200 seafarers minimum of three million dollars per annum would start to flow into the country.

The Master Mariners Society of Pakistan (MMSP) considers this step as milestone in the history of Pakistani seafarers and acknowledged its appreciations that the Minister for Communication Ahmed Ali has lived up to his promise.

Meanwhile, efforts are afoot to lure private entrepreneurs in ship owning sector and a few of them have promised as well. The Director General Ports and Shipping have personally visited various trade bodies to attract investment in ship owning.