Newsletter - Publication 194

1st Mar 2025


Centralized Customs Examination Implemented

The execution of the Centralized Customs Examination System (CEU) toward improving the efficiency and transparency of the customs clearance process in Pakistan by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). This initiative, implemented through Customs General Order No. 1 of 2025, objectives to boost transparency, lessen clearance delays, and facilitate trade. Centralized Customs Examination System has been set up in Karachi and aims to streamline and expedite the clearance of imported consignments, reducing delays, enhancing transparency, and facilitating trade. The goal is to speed up all inspections and completion within a day. Customs Computerized System (CCS) the new system, will be randomly assigned for inspection on an unbiased approach for inspections of imported consignments arriving at Karachi’s terminals. Examination appraisers will be allotted on a rotational basis to different terminals. Goods declarations (GDs) filed at Appraisement Collectorates East, West, and SAPT, Karachi will be processed through the CEU, with strategies for a countrywide rollout, including Port Qasim, in the next phase.


PIBTL to Handle Extracted from the Reko Diq

The Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited (PIBTL) is set to expand its operations by handling and exporting gold and copper extracted from the Reko Diq mining project. The development allows PIBTL to diversify its operations beyond its current focus dirty cargo like on coal, clinker, and cement exports. Primarily PIBTL and PQA had signed a 30-year build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract for a coal and cement terminal, which currently restricts PIBTL to handling dirty bulk cargo such as coal, clinker, and cement. Reko Diq Mining Company has projected PIBTL as a temporary export terminal for copper concentrate until Gwadar Port develops fully operational, citing the project’s national significance.


Spinwam-1 Exploration Well in the Waziristan Block

Mari Energies Limited has made a gas condensate discovery at the Spinwam-1 exploration well, drilled in the Waziristan Block, located in North Waziristan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwan. Spinwam-1 well which was spud-in on May 28, 2024, is the second exploratory well in Waziristan Block. The well is drilled down to a total depth of 4,400 and testing is currently in progress and initial pre-acid testing of the Samanasuk Formation has shown a flow of 12.96 MMSCFD of gas and approx. a wellhead flowing pressure of 2,127 psig and 20 bbl/day of condensate at 32/64” choke. Further testing is in progress, including post-acid job and assessments in the existing formation and additional targeted formations, to fully evaluate the well’s potential. The Waziristan Block is a joint venture of Mari Energies Limited, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Orient Petroleum Inc.


Pakistan-Russia international freight train

Pakistan and Russia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in June 2024 related to Railway Cooperation during the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Pakistan Railways Freight announced that the Pakistan-Russia international freight train service is expected to commence operations by March 15, 2025. The direct export of Russian goods such as oil, natural gas, steel, and industrial products to Pakistan and Pakistani exports include textiles, food products, and agricultural goods such as rice, wheat, and cotton. The possible of expanding trade between Pakistan, Russia, and transit countries, including Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. The freight train service will operate from key terminals such as the Qasim International Container Terminal and the Pakistan International Container Terminal, providing container capacities of 22 tonnes (TEU) and 44 tonnes (FEU). The train's route will pass through the Taftan station in Pakistan, which will serve as the key entry point for goods moving through the corridor.


Pak – Uzbek Bilateral Trade from Current $400 Million To $2 Billion

Pakistan and Uzbekistan undertook to take the volume of bilateral trade from current $400 million to $2 billion in the near future, besides agreeing to exploit the immense potential for cooperation in the fields of connectivity, investment and tourism. Both countries work together to overcome challenges and unlock new economic opportunities. Both countries have exchanged key documents in several areas, including military intelligence, internal affairs, and professional and technical training. They have also agreed to grant visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders. A notable agreement signed between Pakistan and Uzbekistan is an inter-government agreement focused on collaboration in scientific research, technology, and innovation.


IT sector eyes $25m in exports IT and IT-enabled services to Qatar

Pakistan’s exports to Qatar currently stand at nearly $200 million, with the IT sector contributing around $10 million of that total. Pakistan plans to boost the export of IT and IT-enabled services to Qatar, with the target set at $25 million in the coming years. In alignment with Qatar's National Vision 2030, which focuses on developing its digital economy and enhancing governance systems, and significant opportunities for IT firms to expand their services in Qatar. The Qatari government's focus on technology and digital infrastructure creates a conducive environment for Pakistan to increase its exports of IT solutions and services, supporting both economic growth and international collaboration.


Korea-Pakistan Economic Partnership Agreement

Korea-Pakistan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) provides a solid foundation for collaboration. The negotiations for the Korea-Pakistan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) are enhancing bilateral relations focusing to expanded trade, investment, and joint ventures, contributing to economic diversification and job creation. Pakistan is a growing market and serve as an attractive destination for investment, particularly in sectors like agriculture, textiles, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, energy and education for Korea. Abundant natural and human resources are vital assets of Pakistan that can complement South Korea's advanced technological capabilities and economic expertise and by leveraging each other's comparative advantages, both nations can foster sustainable economic growth, innovation, and regional integration.


Strengthen Energy Ties Between Pakistan and UK

Pakistan is firming up bilateral cooperation with the UK in the energy sector. The UK has been supporting Pakistan through numerous initiatives, including technical assistance and investment in renewable energy projects. Pakistan's energy sector is undergoing significant reforms, with the government taking several initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce electricity prices for both domestic and industrial consumers. These reforms are aimed at addressing the challenges of energy supply and demand while ensuring affordability and sustainability in the long term.


© 2025 Alpine Marine Services Private Limited
all rights reserved