Islamabad (GNP): A delegation of exporters apprised Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry of difficulties arising from changes in shipping routes in the region, saying the longer routes had increased transportation costs and delivery times to European and US markets.
The delegation comprised Shahzad Asghar Ali, CEO of Style Textile; Benedikt Birner, vice president Global Adidas; and Saqib Rafique, senior director, Sourcing Operations at Adidas. Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) Chief Executive Officer Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi participated in the meeting online.
The exporters said the longer routes had put Pakistani exporters at a disadvantage compared with regional competitors who had relatively easier and more direct access to key international markets.
Junaid Chaudhry said PNSC could consider leasing or purchasing a container vessel to facilitate exporters if they could ensure sufficient cargo volumes to make the operation commercially viable.
He constituted a working group comprising representatives of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, PNSC and exporters to examine measures for improving shipping connectivity and facilitating access to international markets.
The participants agreed to assess the feasibility of the proposal for a dedicated container vessel, along with other measures aimed at reducing transportation costs and improving export connectivity.
The delegation said they would consult other exporters and present their proposals to the working group for consideration.
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The group will also examine possible arrangements to improve shipping connectivity, reduce transportation costs and facilitate Pakistani exports to international markets.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
