Maritime minister seeks measures to ease textile exporters’ port issues

According to Business Recorder, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has told authorities to simplify customs and port steps so clearance takes less time. He chaired a meeting on the problems textile exporters face at ports, attended by industry, port, Customs and government representatives. Chaudhry urged exporters to file Goods Declarations on time and complete paperwork so cargo moves smoothly.

Customs and port authorities outlined existing clearance steps and the time each stage takes, and the meeting looked at ways to raise efficiency and cut cargo dwell time. Scanning was also reviewed, with the meeting noting that inspections should be scheduled efficiently without breaching regulatory and security needs. Chaudhry directed Customs to review scanning, identify causes of delay and streamline operations, and he pushed for wider use of the Pakistan Single Window and advance electronic filing.

Exporters also raised worries that longer routes, tied to disruption in the Red Sea, have lengthened transit periods. Chaudhry said both immediate operational fixes and lasting gains in shipping links are needed, and a coordinated mechanism will address exporters' concerns. Customs, exporters and PSW representatives will meet again to discuss waiting times for cargo and scanning difficulties, and the minister stressed the need for prompt, practical steps to clear port and customs blockages hurting Pakistan's textile competitiveness.