The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has expressed serious concern over unilateral imposition of Terminal Handling Charges (THC) by the India Sub-Continent and Asia Conference (ISAA-C) at Rs 8,760 and Rs 13,170 per 20' and 40' containers respectively from November 1, 2009.

According to the Association, exporters of goods and commodities in Pakistan have barely been breaking-even and this situation has worsened due to power outages, rising cost of POL, power, gas, increase in wages, rise in the cost of production due to law and order situation and other local constraints.  If the imposition of THC is not withdrawn, the incumbent government's efforts to facilitate exports would be severely hampered.

APTMA has requested the Commerce Minister to personally intervene in the matter and take it up with the concerned Ministry and urge local ISAA members to withdraw THC.