On Wednesday, the state-of-the-art non-interference inspection (NII) container scanning terminals were launched at the Eastern and Western Wharf of Bin Qasim port and Karachi Port.
Ambassador of Japan, Kuninori Matsuda and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Shabbar Zaidi inaugurated the NII terminals.
These terminals will facilitate the increased volume of cargo traffic at Pakistani ports and provide the necessary protection to the global supply chain.
A press release issued by the Embassy of Japan said, The NII terminals were set up under a Japanese grant of Rs2.78 billion. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) implemented the project for security improvement at Karachi and Bin Qasim ports.
The terminals include scanners, terminal buildings, image scanning and analysing equipment, waiting room for container drivers, and backup facility for electricity.
Each scanning terminal has been directly connected with Pakistan’s Web Based One Customs (WeBOC) system with a scanning capacity of 7 to 8 containers per hour, with a total capacity of 450 containers per day.
The project trained 60 officers of Pakistan Customs as an image scanning analyst for effective use and stability of the project in the future.
At the handover ceremony, Ambassador Matsuda said Karachi Port and Bin Qasim Port are greatly contributing to the trade and economic activities of the country. These ports are not only important for Pakistan’s economic prosperity but also have greater significance as international trade ports due to its geographic location.
The ambassador further emphasised the hope that the grant aid from Japan would support the work of Pakistan Customs and would further strengthen bonds between the two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, the FBR chairman thanked the Japanese government for its cooperation for this vital project. Member Customs (Operations), Dr Jawwad Uwais Agha said the NII functionality imparted by these scanners will enhance trade facilitation by Pakistan Customs.
