KARACHI: The suspension of cargo clearance under Pakistan Automated Customs Computerised System at the ports mainly caused worries for fruit and vegetable exporters as shipment of their perishable items was delayed.
Over 60 containers, which were carrying mango and onion worth around Rs80 million, were destined for Dubai, but due to the inordinate delay in clearance of cargo, the booked ship left the port without lifting the goods.
According to All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Importers, Exporters and Merchants Association former chairman Wahid Ahmed, out of the 60 containers, 50 were not covered and any rains would have damaged the fruits and vegetables, causing heavy losses to the exporters.
Earlier in June, he said, the shipment of 140 containers to Dubai was delayed due to a technical fault in the shipping vessel and when the fruit reached the destination, its quality had deteriorated.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 27th, 2011.
