Maritime Affairs Ministry forms working group to assess dedicated shipping options and reduce transportation costs for exporters.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has said the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) may consider leasing or purchasing a container vessel to support exporters if sufficient cargo volumes make the operation commercially viable.

The minister made the remarks during a meeting with a three-member delegation of exporters, who discussed difficulties arising from changes in regional shipping routes.

The delegation included Shahzad Asghar Ali, CEO of Style Textile; Benedikt Birner, Vice President Global at Adidas; and Saqib Rafique, Senior Director, Sourcing Operations at Adidas. PNSC CEO Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi attended the meeting online.

The exporters said longer shipping routes had increased transportation costs and delivery times for consignments bound for European and US markets. They said the situation was creating challenges for Pakistani exporters competing with regional businesses that have more direct access to major international markets.

Junaid Chaudhry constituted a working group comprising representatives from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, PNSC and exporters to examine measures to improve shipping connectivity and facilitate access to international markets.

The participants agreed to assess the feasibility of deploying a dedicated container vessel, alongside other measures to reduce transportation costs and improve export connectivity.

The exporters will consult other businesses and submit proposals to the working group. The group will also examine arrangements aimed at strengthening shipping links and facilitating Pakistani exports to international markets.