A three-member delegation of exporters apprised Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry 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 comprised Shahzad Asghar Ali, CEO of Style Textile; Benedikt Birner, vice president, Global Adidas; and Saqib Rafique, senior director, Sourcing Operations at Adidas. Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) Chief Executive Officer Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi participated in the meeting online. The exporters said the longer routes put Pakistani exporters at a disadvantage compared with regional competitors who had easier, more direct access to key international markets.

Junaid Chaudhry said PNSC could consider leasing or purchasing a container vessel to support exporters, provided it could ensure sufficient cargo volumes to make the operation commercially viable.

He formed a working group comprising representatives of 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 a proposal for a dedicated container vessel, along with other measures to reduce transportation costs and improve 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.