Chittagong, November 13, 2024 – In a historic development, a direct cargo vessel from Karachi, Pakistan, docked at the port of Chittagong, Bangladesh, marking the establishment of the first-ever direct maritime link between the two neighboring countries. This pioneering route is anticipated to significantly enhance logistical efficiencies, streamline supply chains, and reduce transit times between Pakistan and Bangladesh, fostering closer trade ties in the region.
The vessel carried a diverse array of goods with an estimated capacity of 2,300 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), underscoring the rising demand for direct trade channels between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The vessel’s successful voyage represents a substantial step in strengthening the regional trade network, making it possible for businesses to bypass transshipment routes that previously lengthened transit times and increased costs.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, hailed the new shipping route as a “major step forward” in bolstering economic and trade relations between the two countries. He emphasized that the direct maritime link is expected to accelerate the existing flow of goods, opening doors to new business opportunities on both sides. “This initiative will not only streamline trade processes but also promote broader regional integration, benefitting everyone from small traders to large exporters,” Maroof stated. He also highlighted the potential for both economies to deepen their commercial relationships, leading to mutual economic growth.
The introduction of this direct route is expected to cut down on shipping times and logistical costs significantly. Traditionally, goods transported between Pakistan and Bangladesh had to transit through third-party ports, often requiring additional handling and increasing costs for exporters and importers. This new route will allow for a direct journey, bypassing intermediary ports and reducing delivery times from weeks to days. The shortened transit is likely to improve trade efficiencies, ensuring faster delivery of perishable goods, machinery, and consumer items, thus benefiting sectors on both sides.
The move aligns with broader regional aspirations for strengthened connectivity and cooperation within South Asia. As Pakistan and Bangladesh seek to diversify and deepen their trade ties, this direct maritime link holds the promise of facilitating increased economic collaboration, creating a foundation for future partnerships across various industries.
Economic experts see this as an important step towards enhancing regional trade, which has been relatively low compared to other regions. With an eye on further infrastructure developments and streamlined trade policies, this historic voyage signals a promising era for Pakistan-Bangladesh trade relations, with potential ripple effects across the entire South Asian region.
