A cargo vessel from Pakistan’s Karachi arrived at Chittagong Port on November 13, the first direct trade between the two countries. The ship, carrying a diverse array of goods with an estimated 2,300 TEUs of capacity, voyage highlights the growing demand for direct trade, according to a press release on Wednesday.

Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof termed the direct shipping route a major step in enhancing bilateral trade and business ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, besides boosting a more integrated trade network across the region.

He said that the initiative will accelerate the existing trade flows and promote new opportunities for businesses on both sides.

A local agent adds that m/v Yuan Xiang Fa Zhan is a gearless vessel chartered and operated by DMCC, a UAE-based feeder operator. This deployment routes Jebel Ali, Karachi, Chittagong, Port Klang, Belawan, and Jebel Ali. Arrk Chittagong 10/11, berthed 11/11 and sailed on 12/11. She stayed at berth for 24 hours – discharged 224 boxes/370 Teus and loaded 119 Boxes/383 Teus.