Logistical issues facing exports discussed
World Bank, industry for addressing inadequacy of transport network.
KARACHI:
High cost of transportation involved in moving cargo from upcountry to the port at Karachi is the biggest logistical hurdle impeding Pakistani exports.
This was agreed by participants at a meeting held at the Federation House on Monday between a delegation from the World Bank and representatives from trade and industry.
World Bank members asked businessmen about their views regarding logistical problems in Pakistan. Among the issues raised were declining importance and efficiency of railways, poor conditions of existing network of roads, lack of consistency and regulation of shipment charges, non-availability of trucks in sufficient numbers to transport goods within the country and undecided status of Pakistan Automated Customs Clearance System (PACCS).
It was decided that there was an urgent need to address all these issues, in particular, the inadequacy of existing transport network. Freight on moving goods from Peshawar to Karachi was higher than the freight involved in importing goods from China.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2011.
High cost of transportation involved in moving cargo from upcountry to the port at Karachi is the biggest logistical hurdle impeding Pakistani exports.
This was agreed by participants at a meeting held at the Federation House on Monday between a delegation from the World Bank and representatives from trade and industry.
World Bank members asked businessmen about their views regarding logistical problems in Pakistan. Among the issues raised were declining importance and efficiency of railways, poor conditions of existing network of roads, lack of consistency and regulation of shipment charges, non-availability of trucks in sufficient numbers to transport goods within the country and undecided status of Pakistan Automated Customs Clearance System (PACCS).
It was decided that there was an urgent need to address all these issues, in particular, the inadequacy of existing transport network. Freight on moving goods from Peshawar to Karachi was higher than the freight involved in importing goods from China.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2011.