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…
The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) is considering leasing or purchasing a container vessel to aid Pakistani exporters and cut shipping expenses, contingent upon the availability of sufficient cargo to render the venture economically feasible, stated Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. This proposal emerged from a gathering involving a group of exporters and the minister, as per an official bulletin on Thursday.
The delegation discussed challenges stemming from altered shipping routes in the region, which have escalated transportation expenses and delivery durations to European and US markets. The delegation, consisting of Shahzad Asghar Ali, CEO of Style Textile; Benedikt Birner, vice president, Global Adidas; and Saqib Rafique, senior director, sourcing operations at Adidas, participated via online meeting.
Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi, CEO of PNSC, also attended the virtual session. The exporters contended that the extended routes have placed Pakistani exporters at a disadvantage relative to regional competitors with comparatively straightforward and direct access to vital international markets. Chaudhry formed a working group encompassing representatives from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, PNSC, and exporters to investigate strategies for enhancing shipping connectivity and facilitating access to global markets.
The participants concurred on evaluating the viability of the suggested dedicated container vessel, alongside other initiatives aimed at diminishing transportation costs and bolstering export connectivity. The delegation expressed intent to consult additional exporters and submit their recommendations to the working group for deliberation.
The group will also scrutinize potential arrangements to enhance shipping connectivity, minimize transportation costs, and facilitate Pakistani exports to international markets.
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