International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) said on Wednesday its Pakistani subsidiary has forged a partnership agreement with a Singaporean shipping line to establish a direct service between Pakistan and Australia.
ICTSI said Pakistan International Container Terminal Ltd. (PICT) and SeaLead will launch the Pakistan-Australia services that will also call on regional ports across Malaysia and Australia.
According to PICT CEO Khurram Aziz Khan, the service “enables easy and efficient connection between markets in South Asia and Australia,” noting that this will help strengthen “strengthen trade patronage with global customers and cater to growing trade demands.”
“We look to provide unmatched supply chain solutions to local and global trade stakeholders. Through our partnership with SeaLead, customers in both Pakistani and Australian markets will benefit through direct port linkages that enable economies to grow,” he said in a statement.
Khan noted that the service will “substantially benefit importers and exporters” through the faster and more cost-efficient route. He added that this will “eventually allow new businesses and growth areas to emerge within the associated economies.”
The service, which handles both shipper-owned and carrier-owned containers, is also expected to provide PICT’s trade allies with a competitive edge within the industry.
With Pakistan as a commercial hub connecting several geographical regions, the partnership is expected to boost Pakistan’s foreign trade through the enhanced and efficient access to and from Australian markets.
“PICT will remain resilient in its efforts to make this collaboration a successful venture for all stakeholders,” Khan said.
PICT operates Berths 6 to 9 at the East Wharf of the Karachi Port.
Image credits: www.ictsi.com