ISLAMABAD: The first fishing vessel with 200 tonnes of fish arrived at the Gwadar port from international waters, an official announcement issued on Friday said.

The press release said that the vessel arrived in the wake of a Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) initiative and operations have begun at the Gwadar port.

The fish will be shipped to China in reefer containers opening up a new era of prosperity and growth for the people of Balochistan and the economy of the country, the statement said.

Pakistan Customs is working towards realising the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan for transforming Gwadar into an international transit trade hub and facilitate trade through Gwadar Port.

The FBR has already notified International Transshipment Rules vide SRO 218/2020. A dedicated Directorate of Transit Trade has also been established at Gwadar to work closely with the stakeholders and transform Gwadar into a transit trade hub.

As a result of this proactive approach and support of all stakeholders, in the coming days, more vessels containing international cargo including liquefied petroleum gas, steel pipes, DAP fertiliser for transit to Afghanistan is scheduled to arrive at Gwadar Port.

This reflects the confidence of the international business community and shipping lines in the economic potential of the Port and excellent trade facilitation measures put in place by Pakistan Customs. Gwadar is the future of Pakistan and will help the country in earning much needed foreign exchange in the future.

The Afghan businessmen have shown keen interest in making investment for trade through Gwadar Port, added the announcement.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2020