Badat demands a separate ministry for logistics and transport sector in Pakistan.

President, International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) Babar Badat has demanded a separate ministry for the logistics and transport sector for ensuring quick solutions and rapid growth of the industry.

Badat who presided over the ‘Logistics’ session of CPEC Summit and Expo organized in Karachi said at present the logistics industry had to run from one ministry to another to get the issues resolved. If a separate ministry for logistics and transport is formed, the issues would be resolved and thus accelerate the growth.

He was of the view that a recent bill presented in the National Assembly on logistics does not meet the present day challenges. It should be reviewed in consultation with the stakeholders, he stressed.

Pakistan is among the few countries of the world where there is no separate ministry for logistics and transport, he noted. The sector is an important link in the entire supply chain in the region after the launch of the CPEC and a separate ministry will become a focal point for the industry, he added.

Badat said the Chinese companies should connect with local companies or enter into joint venture to handle transshipment or transit cargoes through Gwadar Port.

International Chamber of Commerce Chairman Tariq Rangoonwala also stressed on the need for joint ventures between local and Chinese companies to enhance Pakistan`s industrial base and productivity. He hoped Pakistan will become a hub for transshipment trade once CPEC is fully on ground. Being a signatory to the TIR Convention, the customs connection on the international transport of goods under the cover of TIR Convention is an important link, he noted.