Steering Committee on Outsourcing of Airports grants 2-month extension in bid submission date

The 11th meeting of the Steering Committee on Outsourcing of Airports is held on Friday under the chair of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister M Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister and Aviation Secretary also attended the meeting, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Secretary Law, Secretary BOI and Country Director IFC also participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, Secretary Aviation Saif Anjum told the members of the committee that many airport operators, including Europe, have taken a keen interest in the Islamabad Airport outsourcing project.

Some of these operators have formed consortiums with local investors as well. These consortiums were working on legal and financial matters. In this regard, a consortium team recently visited Islamabad Airport.

Secretary Aviation told the participants that the last date for submission of bids has been fixed on July 15. However, given the complexity of the project, four prospective bidders have requested an extension of the bid submission date.

Secretary Aviation suggested that such expansion will allow greater competition and a better price can be received for the project.

IFC, the transaction advisor for the project, has also supported the proposal.

On IFC recommendation, the Steering Committee granted a two-month extension in the bid submission date.

The Steering Committee ordered that the prospective bidders should be fully supported by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and IFC.

With this support, the work can be completed quickly with due diligence and maximum participation in the bidding process will be ensured.

The Steering Committee advised that the bidding process should be closely monitored to ensure that no further expansion is required.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar directed the concerned officials to take advantage of the maximum revenue potential of Islamabad Airport.

Ishaq Dar highlighted the importance of the project to enhance passenger experience. He pledged all sorts of help to concerned departments so that the outsourcing project is completed in the shortest possible time transparently.

Reporter: Anwar Abass