Islamabad: A three-member delegation of exporters met with Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, to discuss challenges related to increased shipping costs due to changes in regional shipping routes. The longer routes have reportedly led to higher transportation costs and extended delivery times to European and US markets.

According to Press Information Department, the delegation included Shahzad Asghar Ali, CEO of Style Textile; Benedikt Birner, vice president Global Adidas; and Saqib Rafique, senior director of Sourcing Operations at Adidas. Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) Chief Executive Officer Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi joined the meeting online. The exporters highlighted that these changes have placed Pakistani exporters at a disadvantage compared to regional competitors with more direct access to key markets.

Minister Chaudhry proposed that PNSC might lease or purchase a container vessel if exporters can guarantee sufficient cargo volumes to ensure commercial viability. A working group, including representatives from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, PNSC, and exporters, was established to study measures to improve shipping connectivity and facilitate access to international markets.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to evaluate the feasibility of a dedicated container vessel and other strategies aimed at reducing transportation costs and enhancing export connectivity. The delegation committed to consulting with other exporters and presenting their proposals to the working group for further assessment.