MULTAN, Jan 9: Exports and imports worth Rs20 billion were transacted through the Multan Dryport in 2005, said its chairman Khawaja Muhammad Yousuf here on Monday.

He said that goods worth Rs14 billion were exported, while goods worth Rs6 billion were imported through this port. He said customs and other duties worth Rs500 million were deposited in the government kitty.

A total of 13,686 containers were cleared by the customs at the dryport, he said, adding that this year’s exports registered an increase of 80 per cent in value and 102 per cent in weight.

Mr Yousuf urged exporters and importers to utilize the facilities being offered by the Multan Dryport to the optimum level. He said there was a great scope to increase pesticide imports through this port and added that on the demand of importers a bonded warehouse had been set up adjacent to the Multan Dryport. He said two import sheds and a mosque had also been built at the dryport for the convenience of the business community.—APP