SAPT operations

This is apropos a news item, "Ill-planned SAPT operations led to container pileup: KCAA" carried by Business Recorder on December 28. The news item features a misplaced claim by the Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA) that operations at South Asia Pakistan Terminals (SAPT) have begun in a "haphazard" manner.
SAPT is an ultra-modern container terminal which is designed to accommodate the world's largest containerships. It will play a pivotal role in the Pakistani economy by significantly adding to the country's trade capacity. As such, the terminal will make a qualitative difference in the logistics supply chain.
It is common for projects of this complexity and magnitude to have teething issues, and we thank the KCAA for highlighting a few. However, we wish to point out that the express purpose of the launch of test operations on 9 December 2016 was to address such issues before the official start of commercial operations, thereby saving Pakistani traders, and the KCAA's members, from later difficulties.
Test operations can also allow SAPT to begin relieving congestion at Karachi Port, which is currently impacting trade and might result in the imposition of a congestion surcharge by shipping lines if left unaddressed. Such a charge would only raise the cost of Pakistan's foreign trade.
In the first week of the test period, a few shipping lines did take advantage of our availability to divert vessels originally destined for other terminals to SAPT. This created some confusion, but the situation has since stabilised. Through that week, our customs inspection areas were fully functional, in contrast to the KCAA's claims, and we continue to work with customs authorities to enhance the process.
In addition, we wish to point out that our website, www.sapt.com.pk, is live and fully capable of serving as a platform for receiving general queries, with functionality that allows interested parties to make queries on draft invoice amounts available soon. Our customer service teams have been instructed to assist port users to the maximum possible extent.
Looking forward, SAPT will continue to work closely with all stakeholders, including the KCAA, the All Pakistan Clearing Agents Association and the All Pakistan Customs Bonded Carriers Association with a view to ensuring the nation enjoys the benefits of this important investment.