Govt allows TCP to import wheat via all ports

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The government has reversed its earlier directives for binding the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) for importing wheat through Gwadar port only.

Now the state-run TCP has been allowed to issue fresh tenders for importing wheat from other ports.
According to the details, in compliance with directions of the Prime Minister’s Office regarding Gwadar Port and Pre-Shipment Inspection Agency, the Ministry of National Food Security & Research moved two summaries to the Economic Coordination of Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet in September.

The ECC in its meeting earlier this month deferred both summaries and directed to submit a non-paper for seeking fresh instructions from the PMO. The non-paper was submitted to the relevant authorities.

The proper consultations were held with TCP. The main factor for increased bids and participation of a lesser number of bidders in the tender dated 26-09-2022 was primarily due to shipment inspections at both ports which has increased the risk factor.

In view of higher cost on import of wheat through Gwadar port and shipment inspections at both ports i.e., load port and discharge port, both amendments to TCP tender documents may be deferred for the time being.

However, pre-shipment inspection should be ensured at the load port from the top-four inspection firms by TCP/ Ministry of Commerce. TCP may also be directed to issue fresh tenders to ensure import of allocated quantities of wheat.