Li Bijian asks Pakistan to improve the capacity of their export services
Imran Zakir
KARACHI: The Consul General of China in Karachi Li Bijian has urged Pakistan to improve the capacity of its export services, enhance capability of freight services, and improve the hard connectivity of transport infrastructure. He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural session of 12th Sustainable Shipping Logistics and Supply China Summit and Exhibition-2022 held here at a local hotel, Wednesday.
The Chinese CG said that Pakistan and China should promote the sharing of two-way logistic information, promote mutual recognition of logistic supply chain standards, systems and rules, so that the upstream and downstream cooperation among enterprises of the two countries could be promoted.
The both friendly countries should actively explore the development opportunities. “Activity encourages the development,” he said adding the cooperation of e-commerce is a must.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on a special visit to China, and he will convene meeting with Chinese President. He said the global economic conditions are changing rapidly, and the heads of the two countries will discuss on mutual economic relations.
The Indonesian Consul General in Karachi Dr June Kuncoro graced the concluding session of the event. He said that sea transportation, and maritime connectivity is mandatory for further promotion of his country’s economy. Indonesia is developing its port infrastructure, and the country is going to build some 24 sea ports by the end of 2024.
He said Pakistan and Indonesia are enjoying the mutual relations for the last many years. He said a ‘trade export summit’ is being held this month in Jakarta. Also, Pak Oil exhibition is being held next week.
Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala also addressed the concluding session as the chief guest. He deplored that every aspect of the country’s economy is deteriorated. Elaborating he said that PIA started Emirates but today our national carries stands nowhere.
He said logistic is the most important thing for the enhancement of economy, and Karachi is the key of logistics. He said every ship and airplane across the world used to touch our seaports, and airports, respectively.
“We must have our maritime ministry, and our own container line,” Zubair said.
He said the public sector companies such as Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PAPRA) and so-called watch-dogs like National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has hurt the economy, so badly. The bureaucrats are so hesitant that they cannot execute any work and the country is suffering.
He also emphasized that business and politics should be segregated.
Ateeq Ur Rahman, Conference Coordinator, Logistic Onex in his conference introduction speech said that business & trade are heavily suffering due to growing logistics & shipping cost.
Heavy detentions, demurrage, rentals, container handling charges at Port demonstrating unbearable cost by Businesses. Poor infrastructure creating congestion at Port. International recession, enormous fuel/energy cost, massive sea freight, higher interest rate is devastating to the cost of doing business and overall economy.
This shipping, logistic & supply chain conference is designed to discuss and raise issues/concerns on Pakistan’s outlook, which has darkened significantly specially by dilapidated Logistic Support Services.
Mehmood Tareen, CEO TPN thanked the audience, professional speakers, sponsors and representative of the business community and corporate for their support cooperation and attendance.
He particularly pointed out the supply chain challenges faced by FMCG like brand, consumer behavior, industry trends and impact of uncertainties.
The speakers of the occasion spoke widely of China’s as all-weather strategic cooperation and support and agreed to social instability which is being created due to raise in food and energy prices and also to the logistic support services.
Tariq Yousuf President KCCI; Mohsin A Dharsi Air Cargo Agents, Association of Pakistan; Sheikh Shafiq Jhokwala Chairman, PREGMEA; Haris Agar Vice President KCCI; Hasban Mehmood, G.M, KEX; Conan Chen, AGM, KEX; Rashid Siddiqui, Head of Operation, Emirates; Aamir Khan, Senior Manager, FAP and others also attended the event.
