The ministry of ports and shipping is planning to set up a high-level committee to deal with the disputes between traders and various companies on shipping charges. The Local Shipping Rates Advisory Committee was under consideration to address the grievances of traders, who have long been complaining about high charges by various firms in the shipping sector, sources told Business Recorder on Tuesday.
They said the proposal was tabled during the meeting of a Working Group (WG) held last month at the office of Director General, Ports and Shipping. Secretary ministry of ports and shipping chaired the meeting.
According to sources the WG, headed by joint secretary, ministry of ports and shipping, was constituted by the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission and Chairman, National Trade Corridor Task Force, to examine and rationalise freight rates.
They said the proposed committee is likely to have the secretary, commerce or chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue as its chairman. The committee may also have representatives from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), All Pakistan Shipping Agents Association (APSA) and different trade bodies as its members. They said the ministry of ports and shipping would soon forward its recommendations to the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, for his decision.