On 9 December, the world marks International Anti-Corruption Day, highlighting the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability. This year’s focus, “𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧,” recognizes the role of young people in shaping fairer societies.

To mark the day, Global Compact Network Pakistan & Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), in collaboration with Bahria University Karachi, hosted an interactive session with students on the maritime industry, a key driver of Pakistan’s trade and economy, where ethical practices are essential.
The discussion highlighted how youth can support MACN’s collective action efforts to strengthen integrity and accountability across the maritime sector.

Special thanks to Kashif Ali Shaikh, Executive Director – Transparency International, for contributing valuable insights to the discussion.

On September 30, 2024, the Global Compact Network Pakistan (GCNP) and Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN – Denmark) in collaboration with the All-Pakistan Shipping Association (APSA), hosted a highly engaging and informative session titled “Ease of Doing Business and Good Governance in Customs Procedures “.

Syed Tanvir Ahmad, Senior Advisor to GCNP-MACN, delivered the opening remarks. He warmly welcomed attendees and underscored the significance of the session and provided an introduction to GCNP-MACN’s mission and objectives.

Esteemed speakers from Pakistan Customs Mr. Omar Shafique, Collector of Customs Enforcement (Port), and Mr. Daud Pirzada, Director, Intelligence & Investigation (Customs) from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) delivered comprehensive presentations, tackling critical topics such as shipping licensing, efficient port operations, cargo handling at terminals, resolving issues surrounding stuck containers, GD hold containers, auction and destruction processes, various charges, port container movements, TP containers, transshipment hubs, and document amendments. The speakers emphasized the importance of adopting good governance practices and digitalization of customs/port operations. The session highlighted the pivotal role that efficient customs operations play in reducing trade barriers, improving transparency, and boosting Pakistan’s global competitiveness. It focused on modernizing customs practices to simplify trade, enhance the ease of doing business, and ensure the seamless movement of goods across borders.

A subsequent Q&A session allowed participants to share challenges and hurdles, while the speakers offered insightful solutions and expert advice. The event culminated with the distribution of certificates to participants and the presentation of a commemorative shield to the representative of APSA. There were 35 participants who attended the session at PNSC (office of APSA) and 24 participants attended online. Participants included senior representatives of Ministry of Maritime Affairs, DP World, Maersk, Cosco, Hutchison Port, ONE Ocean Network Express, CMA-CGM, Eastern Shipping, Evergreen, Delta Shipping, UMA, and senior executives from GCNP-MACN.

MACN has been at the forefront of the effort to establish and promote good practices, ensure compliance, and foster collaboration among stakeholders working tirelessly in countries around the world. By engaging with governments, businesses, and civil society, MACN has successfully implemented anti-corruption initiatives in regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Through events like this interactive session, MACN continues to champion transparency, accountability, and integrity in the maritime industry, paving the way for sustainable and ethical trade practices globally.

On September 26, 2024, the Global Compact Network Pakistan (GCNP), and the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) organized a highly engaging and informative session titled “Streamlining the Missing Links in Customs Procedures for Port Operations & Shipping Sector”. This pivotal event brought together esteemed stakeholders, including senior leaders from terminal operators, off-dock terminals, and members of the All-Pakistan Shipping Association (APSA).

The session was graciously hosted by Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL), with Syed Tanvir Ahmed, Senior Advisor to -GCNP-MACN, delivering the opening remarks. He warmly welcomed attendees and underscored the significance of the session, also providing a concise introduction to the GCNP-MACN Project’s mission and objectives.

Esteemed speakers from Pakistan Customs Mr. Omar Shafique, Collector of Customs Enforcement (Port), and Mr. Daud Pirzada, Director, Intelligence & Investigation (customs) delivered comprehensive presentations, tackling critical topics such as shipping licensing, cargo handling at terminals, resolving issues of stuck-up containers, GD hold containers, auction/destruction, various charges, port container movement, TP containers, transshipment hub, and document amendments.

A subsequent Q&A session allowed participants to share challenges and hurdles, while the speakers offered insightful solutions and expert advice. The event culminated with the presentation of a commemorative shield to the CEO of Karachi Gateway Terminal Ltd along with certificates awarded to the participants.

The significance of good practices in the maritime sector was emphasized. Effective customs procedures and port operations are crucial for facilitating global trade, promoting economic growth, and preventing corruption. The GCNP-MACN Project has been at the forefront of this effort, working tirelessly to establish and promote good practices, ensure compliance, and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

By engaging with government, businesses, and civil society, MACN has successfully implemented anti-corruption initiatives in regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Through events like this interactive session, MACN continues to champion transparency, accountability, and integrity in the maritime industry, paving the way for sustainable and ethical trade practices globally.

It is worth noting that an interactive session was held to commemorate the “World Maritime Day” proving that MACN is striving to enhance good practices in the maritime industry of Pakistan along with its stakeholders.

Karachi, August 21, 2024 – The Global Compact Network Pakistan (GCNP), and the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), Denmark organized an interactive session today at the Pakistan Customs Academy. With support from Pakistan Customs, the event focused on “Streamlining and Augmenting the Missing Links in Customs Procedures for the Shipping Sector.” The session attracted key stakeholders, including senior management from various shipping lines, and members of the All-Pakistan Shipping Association (APSA).

The session covered a range of crucial topics impacting the shipping industry, such as shipping licensing, the issue of stuck containers, GD hold containers, auction and destruction processes, various charges, port container movements, TP containers and transshipment hubs, and document amendments.

Syed Tanvir Ahmed, Senior Advisor for GCNP – MACN, welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the session’s objectives, emphasizing the importance of addressing these procedural challenges.

Esteemed speakers from Pakistan Customs, including Mr. Omar Shafique, Collector of Enforcement (Ports); Mr. Daud Pirzada, Additional Collector of Enforcement; and Ms. Ammara Durrani, Additional Collector of Appraisement (West), shared valuable insights and engaged in discussions with the attendees.

The interactive session highlighted the pressing procedural issues faced by the shipping industry, especially concerning container holding, the auction process, and challenges with withheld containers. It was noted that around 10,000 containers are currently being held by Customs, causing significant disruptions in shipping line operations.

Mr. Daud Pirzada informed the audience about the e-auction module accessible through the WeBOC system, designed to streamline the auction process. Mr. Omar Shafique provided context by sharing that, over the past decade, 35 million containers have been cleared, with only 0.05 percent still awaiting auction. He also explained the complexities in the auction process, citing instances. He delved into the exchange rates related to charges and advised the shipping sector to re-export the containers except those that have been confiscated.

Addressing the participants, Ms. Ammara Durrani, discussed practical challenges in the auction process, including the limited number of bidders, old pending auction lots, diplomatic goods, nonavailability of phytosanitary certificates and permissions from various other departments along with ongoing litigation, all of which contribute to delays in the auctioning of containers.

During the session, representatives from shipping companies raised concerns and sought guidance from the Customs officials. There was an exchange of suggestions between senior customs officer APSA members.

Mr. Muhammad Qasim Khokher, Principal of the Pakistan Customs Academy, actively participated in the discussions. The Chief guest Nawabzadi Aliya Khanji, Director, Customs Academy of Pakistan welcomed all participants and offered the Academy as a venue for future sessions, extending her full support for upcoming programs.

As a token of appreciation, certificates were awarded to the participants at the conclusion of the session.

The MACN Spring Members Meeting/Conference took place at Moltke’s Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark, on April 23-24, 2024. It was attended by over 230 participants representing MACN members, partners, and staff.

During the conference, Pakistan presented the progress made so far. This included introducing the project’s lifecycle to date and activities carried out by the Project Manager, Muhammad Akram. Advisor MACN, Mr. Syed Tanvir Ahmad, elaborated on corruption-related challenges for the shipping sector, with a special focus on shortage claims in edible oil and bulk cargo in Pakistan. He also discussed potential solutions and the way forward. This breakout session was well-received by the members.

The presentation was followed by a question and answer session, during which Mathias Bak, an Associate MACN Representative, also participated. He provided updates on project developments in Pakistan.

Representatives of member companies and the P&I club discussed the shortage claims issue at length and tried to understand this phenomenon.

Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Nigeria, Argentina, Malaysia, and West Africa provided updates on the progress of their projects during separate breakout sessions.

On April 26, 2024, MACN hosted the 5th Collective Action Workshop at their office. Countries running the Collective Action Program participated through their representatives. In this workshop, MACN’s partners shared their experiences, approaches, and tools in implementing anti-corruption projects in their respective countries. Through facilitated discussions and knowledge-sharing, all the participants identified key learnings and practices to be replicated and scaled in other contexts. Participants discussed and agreed upon the way forward.

It was an excellent opportunity to interact with members and workshop participants, exchange ideas, and enhance networking. It will help in reshaping Pakistan’s program and future course of action.

Majyd Aziz, President Global Compact Network Pakistan, stated that the enlightened corporations of Pakistan have steadfastly continued to comply with International Labor Standards, the Ten Principles of UN Global Compact, and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. They have become role models, not only for large corporations but also for SMEs. It is imperative that the private sector must ensure that in this tough global marketplace, the share of Pakistan must rise and there is no room for complacency or shortcuts. The consumer of today strongly demand that the products they purchase are made by companies that adhere to all quality standards. He was speaking at the signing ceremony of the Charter of Principles where Roshan Packages Ltd of Lahore, became a member of the UNGC based in New York.

Mr Tayyab Aijaz Qureshi, CEO of Roshan Packages, in his speech assured that his company, which is a leader in the packaging industry, would assiduously maintain its record of compliance and at the same time, motivate other companies to comply with all standards. He added that compliance of international standards is now the national duty of all companies and all must ensure that Pakistan becomes the country of choice to source excellent products.

Khalid Junejo, Executive Director GCNP, Rida Tayyab, Director RPL, and executives of both organizations were present at the signing ceremony.