LAHORE (January 27 2004): Only five firms had offered bids for the import of additional 150,000 tonnes wheat whereas 14 firms had participated in the previous bidding for import of same quantity in the first week of this month.

Pakistan Agriculture Supply and Storage Corporation (Passco) had floated international tender for import of 300,000 tonnes wheat in two phases. In the previous bidding, held on January 6, 14 firms took part, and contract for import of 150,000 tonnes wheat was awarded to 'Tradesman International' at the rate of $ 224.75 per tonne.

In the second bidding, only five firms have submitted tenders, of which four companies, namely, Tradesman International, Conwill Pakistan, Meshe International, and Younas Brothers, qualified for consideration.

The other firm, BSA Incorporation, had given quotation for supply of 50,000 tonnes medium hard Indian milling grade wheat at $200 per tonne on cost and freight (C&F) basis at Port Qasim. However, this firm, according to official circles, might be disqualified for not meeting terms and conditions of wheat specification, as it did not mention whether the wheat would be free of karnal brunt disease. Besides, the company did not provide adequate bid bond as per prerequisite.

Tradesman International again gave its quotation for initial supply of 50,000 tonnes wheat of USA/Australia origin at $224.75 per tonne while the same rate would be applicable for further supply under the time limit.

Conwill Pakistan Limited, being agent of a principal firm, Concordia, Singapore, quoted $ 233.50 for the supply of 25,000 tonnes wheat.

Meshe International gave its bid for supply of 150,000 tonnes wheat at $ 218 per tonne, but the quotation is only valid up to January 27. However, it also quoted $ 220 per tonne, but this quotation is only valid up to January 30. Besides, the company wants confirmation within 24 hours.

Meshe International, as per details given in its bid, wants quality and quantity assessment and 100 percent payment of the contracted quantity at the port of loading, meaning thereby that the company does not intend to bear bad risk while the Government of Pakistan has sought bids mentioning that assessment of quality and quantity through experts would be checked at the port of discharge.

Chief Co-ordinator of Wheat Import Management Committee, Major (Retd) Muhammad Akram stated that 95 percent of the total amount would be paid after checking of quality and quantity at Port Qasim while remaining five percent would be paid after 30 days to cover all kinds of risks.

The rate and specifications of wheat, delivery schedule and mode of payment are mainly considered while taking decision for the award of import contract, he added.

Younas Borthers had given its quotation for Australian standard white wheat for the entire quantity of 150,000 tonnes at $ 223.83 per tonne.

A Dubai based firm, Gulf Import and Export, through a fax message, offered its bid at $ 245 per tonne for the supply of 50,000 tonnes wheat. This firm did not fulfil necessary conditions, like bid bond, earnest money and processing fee etc.

Managing Director Passco Major General Faheem Ahmad said that Passco would only place the facts after compiling the comparative statement of the bids and Wheat Import Committee constituted by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock would give its approval for awarding contract.

He said that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure transparency at Passco and Ministry of Food levels and wheat import contract would be awarded on merit.

Joint Secretary, Minfal, Muhammad Akram, Wheat Commissioner, Qadir Bakhsh Baloch, Director Food, Punjab Javed Ahmed represented their respective departments.

Courtesy Business Recorder