PortExpertise’s PCS (Pakistan)
Introduction
PortExpertise lead all Work Packages and was the lead of the proejct. The consultancy assignment was contractually lead by Railistics, assisted by local partner Marine Logistics (PVT), on the Pakistan PCS for Karachi Port and Port Qasim, respectively responsible for 60% and 35% of the nation’s shipping cargo, and both responsible for 75% of the nation’s GNP has ended. A port community system, an e-exchange platform among public and private stakeholders, changes the ways of working of the whole port community, resulting in more efficiency, gain of time and costs for all parties concerned.
The assignment consisted of three elements: a situation analysis, constructed on the basis of documentation, workshops, focus groups with selected OGAs and meetings with authorities and the World Bank; further the setup of a roadmap for implementing a PCS; and finally, the focus on public consultation, i.e. identify, involve and motivate all stakeholders in the rollout of the PCS by informing them on the PCS business and governance model, picture the scope, the benefits and the best practices, defining roles and responsibilities, stimulating all stakeholders to come aboard and to give continuous feedback in order to make the PCS a success.
The PCS should be considered as the indispensable step in the setup of a PNSW, as the maritime port activities generate 70% of the nations’ customs revenues. The second step should be the improvement and enrichment of the WeBoc system. The third step should be the further elaboration of the PNSW, and its related Other Government Agencies.
Overall benefits are well summarized in the latest UNCTAD review: “A broad range of technologies with applications in ports and terminals offers an opportunity for port stakeholders to innovate and generate additional value in the form of greater efficiency, enhanced productivity, greater safety and heightened environmental protection. For ports to effectively reap the benefits of digitalisation, various concerns will need to be monitored and addressed. … It is essential to improve understanding of issues at stake, and strengthen partnerships and collaboration mechanisms among all stakeholders – ports, terminal operators, shipping and cargo interests, makers of technology, Governments and investors.” (Source: Review of Maritime Transport 2018, UNCTAD, NY-Geneva 2018, p80).
