KARACHI: Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has expressed serious concerns over the sudden and exorbitant increase in shipping charges.

REAP said that Pakistani rice exporters have made their deals with Chinese buyers on good rates which needs to be completed from October to December 2020, however, shipping companies have suddenly increased their container charges, which will directly hit the cost of export.

According to REAP shipping companies have increased charges almost 3 times higher than normal charges, which is not justified.

“Due to higher shipping charges, exporters will not be able to compete in international markets,” it added.

REAP office bearers have humbly appealed to Minister for Maritime Affairs and Government of Pakistan to take notice and intervene in the matter.

“The federal government should play its vital role for the relief of rice export sector which is the 2nd largest source of foreign exchange earner,” they added.

REAP has also proposed that Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) should operate its ships on Chinese route, so that exporters can dispatch the export consignments on time.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020