KARACHI: Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Kamran Michael on Wednesday said that the government was aware of the issues confronting shipping, logistics and supply chain industry and would ensure that all the stakeholders work in tandem.

Speaking as a chief guest at a conference, he said that the government has a vision to make the country economically strong by developing infrastructure and assured to take professional suggestions into account.

`Logistics role is crucial in trade and its efficiency directly affects the cost of doing business and endproduct prices.

He said that the government was keen to accelerate the pace of growth and mentioned progress on ChinaPakist an E conomic Corridor.

The minister pledged to identify locations for setting up private warehouses and cold storage units at ports.

He also mentioned that the new scanners are being installed at all ports to cut clearance time.

He further informed that a European Union delegation is visiting Karachi Fisheries on Thursday to clear five more companies for exports. EU lifted the ban on fish imports from Pakistan after seven years and cleared two companies in this regard three months back.

The minister said that speed boats for fast movement of perishable cargo from Karachi to Gulf countries are being arranged, which would help reduce freight cost without compromising on quality of goods like fresh vegetables and fruits.

`These boats would reach Gulf ports within 20 to 30 hours,` he added.

Referring to a recent petroleum crisis, the minister said that PNSC had no role as the national flag carrier fulfilled its haulage commitments on time as per laid down schedule.

The conference was inaugurated by S.M. Muneer, chief executive of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.