First direct cargo vessel from Karachi arrives in Ctg port
A cargo vessel from Pakistan's Karachi has arrived at Chittagong Port, the first-ever direct maritime link between the two countries.
Carrying a diverse array of goods with an estimated 2,300 TEUs of capacity, the vessel's voyage highlights growing demand for direct trade between the two countries, said a press release issued today (13 November).
Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof termed the direct shipping route a major step forward in enhancing bilateral trade and business ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh besides boosting a more integrated and trade network across the region.
He said the initiative will not only accelerate the existing trade flows but also promote new opportunities for businesses on both sides.
Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Md Omar Faruk told The Business Standard that the Panama-flagged vessel Yuan Xiang Fa Zhan arrived at Chattogram port from Dubai via Karachi on 11 November. The vessel carried 370 TEU containers, which were unloaded. Ot departed Chattogram on 12 November.
According to the Chattogram Port Authority, there is currently no fixed route for direct shipping between Chattogram and Pakistan. The Yuan Xiang Fa Zhan arrived at Chattogram Port through the Dubai-Karachi- Chattogram route.