ISLAMABAD: The facility of speedy customs clearance has converted the Gwadar Port as a major attraction for importers and exporters.
In this regard, the Customs Department has established state of the art infrastructure at the Gwadar Port to provide maximum facilities to the importers and exporters. The main focus of the epartment is speedy execution of entire customs clearance process to save time of the business community.
The Customs House Gwadar was established in 1983. Primarily, it was meant to facilitate accompanied and unaccompanied baggage of passengers coming from Oman and other Gulf states.
Strategically, Gwadar is the gate way to the vast hinterland of Afghanistan and Central Asia The construction of Coastal Highway has provided hassle free access from the Port to Karachi / RCD Highway.
A well placed source at Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) told Customs Today that Custom House Gwadar also issued port clearance to the fishing vessels according to the provisions of Customs Act 1969.
However, in recent years, after the inception of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Customs House has been renovated well equipped with the state of the art facilities of the international standards” the source added saying that the best international practices had also been kept in view in the provision of facilities.
The source recalled that Gwadar Port was commercially active since 2008 and being used for imports and exports. In addition to standard facilities, Gwadar Port is providing a number of facilities along with incentives to importers and exporters.
Besides, speedy customs clearance the Gwadar Port also provides facilities including competitive cargo handling charges, no demurrage charges as well as free storage up to three months” the source maintained saying that these facilities and incentives were playing due role in promotion of trade activities on Gwadar Port.