Pakistan explores PNSC container vessel to support exporters

According to Business Recorder, Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has said that Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) could lease or buy a container vessel to help exporters cut freight expenses. The condition is that enough cargo can be secured for the service to be commercially workable. The remarks were made in a meeting with a delegation of exporters, as stated in an official statement issued on Thursday.

Exporters told the minister that altered regional shipping routes had made journeys longer, pushing up freight charges and delivery times to European and American buyers. They argued that competitors in the region enjoy quicker and more direct access to major overseas markets. The delegation included Shahzad Asghar Ali of Style Textile, and Adidas representatives Benedikt Birner and Saqib Rafique. PNSC's chief executive, Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi, also took part online.

Chaudhry set up a working group with officials from the maritime ministry, PNSC and exporters to study ways of improving shipping links. Participants accepted the task of testing whether a dedicated vessel is workable, with other cost-cutting steps also under review. The delegation plans to consult more exporters before putting its proposals to the group.