Pakistan explores PNSC container vessel to support exporters

Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) may lease or purchase a container vessel to facilitate Pakistani exporters and reduce shipping costs, provided sufficient cargo volumes can be secured to make the operation commercially viable, Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said.

The development came during a meeting between a three-member delegation of exporters and Chaudhry, read an official statement on Thursday.

During the meeting, the delegation apprised the minister 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, comprising Shahzad Asghar Ali, CEO of Style Textile; Benedikt Birner, vice president, Global Adidas; and Saqib Rafique, senior director, sourcing operations at Adidas, read a statement. Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi, CEO of PNSC, also 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.

Chaudhry 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.

The group will also examine possible arrangements to improve shipping connectivity, reduce transportation costs and facilitate Pakistani exports to international markets.