Exporters fret over higher airfare

Food ministry summons representatives of all airlines

ISLAMABAD: In a bid to ensure even competition of exports, Air Cargo Agents Association of Pakistan has sought assistance from the government and the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) to force foreign airlines to charge standard rates from each country.



In this regard, Ministry of National Food Security and Research on Tuesday summoned representatives of all major national and international airlines and lodged complaints regarding overcharging of freight on the export of Pakistani mangoes and other fruit to different countries.

The ministry has taken the step after receiving a written complaint from the Air Cargo Agents Association of Pakistan that said foreign carriers are trying to charge exorbitant profits only from Pakistan mango exporters.

A senior officer in the ministry told The Express Tribune that as compared to India, all airlines overcharge Pakistani fruit exporters.

The ministry summoned representatives of Qatar Airline, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Saudi and also officials of Pakistan International Airline (PIA). Additionally, the ministry also invited officials from the CCP.



According to the official, airlines have also admitted that they charge Pakistani exporters more than India and have said that they would look into the matter.

The association noted that this situation creates difficulties for Pakistani mangoes to compete in the international market-place.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2016.

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