Karachi: As the city continues to grapple with the challenge of releasing 5,630 stuck containers, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) announced that the 18th edition of the “My Karachi — Oasis of Harmony Exhibition” will take place next month. The aim of the exhibition is to showcase the resilience of the business community and to demonstrate that despite economic and political instability, they are still fighting to survive.
According to the Businessmen Group (BMG) Chairman, Zubair Motiwalla, the expo will take place from March 3-5 in the Expo Centre, with only four countries, Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, participating this year. Last year, the exhibition was attended by businessmen from 12 countries. Preparations for the event are in full swing, and it is expected to attract up to one million visitors.
Despite commitments made by the representatives of the shipping lines and terminal operators at a meeting held two weeks ago, the stuck containers have yet to be released, causing anxiety among business owners and industrialists. Motiwalla expressed regret that the cost of imported consignments has skyrocketed due to extraordinary demurrage/detention charges, in some cases surpassing the actual value of the goods inside the containers, making it unfeasible for importers to clear their consignments.
In conclusion, Motiwalla highlighted the need for swift resolution of the issue, reiterating the importance of the “My Karachi — Oasis of Harmony Exhibition” in promoting the positive image of the city.
