KARACHI: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan on Monday said Pakistan was contemplating to launch a specialized fast cargo vessel service between Karachi and UAE to decrease transit time and cost to take advantage of the growing food import market of UAE.
This was said in a statement by Director General, TDAP Dr. Mohammad Usman in a meeting on Monday, reported The News.
Mr. Usman in a statement said airlifting raises cost and currently food products were being airlifted and shipped via sea.
He added this was the country’s food products exports were being rendered uncompetitive and shipping items via sea took a longer time duration which impacted their quality.
TDAP Director General highlighted initiating a specialized cargo service would be immensely beneficial for the exporters.
He shared the authorities were formulating a plan in this regard and the service may be initiated soon.
Previously in November of last year, the matter was discussed with Pakistani authorities for launching a specialized fast cargo vessel service between Karachi and UAE to decrease transit cost and time.
Not only will this aide meat exporters but permit exporters of fresh vegetables and fruits to export perishable items via sea at a decreased cost.
Dubai Municipality Department officer Safwan Abdullah Ishaq shared data that UAE handled 19,739 consignments from Pakistan in 2016 and number fell to 16,640 consignments in 2017.
Mr. Ishaq said 622 consignments were rejected by UAE authorities in 2017 compared to 579 in 2016. These shipments were turned down by the UAE authorities due to certification contraventions, test of samples and food label violation.
He added UAE handled around 1,000 containers of food products per day and was a major food importer.
An official shared rising economic growth and rising demand for latest international cuisine was contributing to a boom in UAE’s food industry, which was attracting focus of several global players.
