Global trade, investment: Pakistan emerging as safe, stable destination: PTEA

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is emerging as a safe, stable, and increasingly attractive destination for international trade, investment, and transshipment, said Khurram Mukhtar, Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA).

In a statement issued on Friday, he noted that recent developments at the country’s ports indicate a positive shift, with a noticeable increase in cargo handling and transshipment volumes.

Mukhtar appreciated the proactive leadership of Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, highlighting that a coordinated effort is underway involving the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, port authorities, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

He said it was encouraging that almost daily meetings are being held to deliberate reforms aimed at improving efficiency in maritime trade, facilitating exports and imports, and positioning Pakistan as a viable transshipment hub.

READ MORE: Foreign-flagged transshipment vessels: Fiscal measures package unveiled

He pointed out that several key decisions have already been taken, including a reduction in port charges to enhance competitiveness, disposal of long-pending cargo at ports, and policy measures to actively promote transshipment.

Mukhtar further stated that dedicated sub-committees have been formed to finalise actionable recommendations and implement structural reforms in the maritime and logistics ecosystem.

The PTEA has also proposed a set of critical structural interventions to improve efficiency, transparency, and predictability across Pakistan’s maritime and trade supply chain.

These include the establishment of a centralised monitoring and response unit to oversee import and export cargo flows through the Pakistan Single Window, functioning as a real-time control tower to identify bottlenecks and ensure swift resolution of issues.

The association also called for the definition and enforcement of service level standards across ports, terminal operators, shipping lines, and allied service providers, aligned with international best practices to reduce dwell time and enhance competitiveness.

In addition, it proposed mandatory advance manifest filing by shipping lines, with a transition period of three weeks before strict enforcement, to improve planning, reduce congestion, and enhance coordination.

Mukhtar emphasised that these measures, if implemented in an integrated manner, could significantly improve trade facilitation, reduce logistics inefficiencies, and strengthen Pakistan’s position as a reliable export and transshipment hub.

He remarked that Pakistan stands at an important inflection point, and with policy continuity, institutional coordination, and timely execution, the current momentum can translate into sustained long-term gains for the economy and export sector.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026