AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Lahore, December 10, 2015 (PPI-OT): “Pakistan needs to revamp logistics infrastructure and the transport policies in the light of Pak-China Economic Corridor so as to play its historical role as a connector of new world markets”. It was stated by Shah Faisal Afridi, president Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry in a press statement issued today. He said that Chinese freight tonnage to and from the world through China Pakistan Economic Corridor would be a game changer for Pakistan’s transport and logistics sector.
Faisal Afridi informed that currently, the transport and logistics sector (trucking, freight forwarding and warehousing) contribute around 0.38% to the GDP, and approximately USD 650 million to the national income. He said that by attracting 5% of china’s international cargo volume, the three transport and logistics subsectors could earn USD 6 billion annually, creating 9,000 new enterprises and 400,000 new jobs in the country.
He was confident to mention that Development of infrastructure, policies and services, facilitating passage of regional cargo, particularly Chinese freight tonnage to and from the world through China Pakistan Economic Corridor would be a game changer for Pakistan’s transport and logistics sector.
While highlighting the significance of trucking sector, he said that emergence of a modern trucking fleet comprising of bigger, more efficient trucks for handling international cargo across Pakistan is the need of hour. In this increasingly interconnected world, the transport through border has significant value and can ensure the maximum growth opportunities, Afridi added.
He asserted that National regulations are needed to be updated regarding trucking and transport sector. Regulations pertaining to cargo insurance, carriage of goods act by road, should be reviewed prudently to make the logistic sector viable for new trade order, he added.
He said that there were problems with trucking sector including motor vehicle registration system having no interface for interprovincial coordination and lack of policy and incentives for formalization of trucking sector. He observed that rules governing transit trade were very cumbersome having no synchronization with international regulations.
Faisal Afridi gave various recommendations for the development of trucking sector including establishment of central repository for vehicle registration and usage data, development of lending programs for financing truck companies, initiation of standardized program for training of truck drivers, standardize HTV specifications and integrated vehicle fitness testing mechanism.
He opined at government can look towards other experienced nations for help and guidance in this regard. China in particular could be of much help regarding development and up-gradation of trucking sector in Pakistan, he added.
For more information, contact:
Wardah Ali Gohar
Media Manager
Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI)
Mega Tower, 309 – 6th Floor,
Main Boulevard, Gulberg II,
Lahore, Punjab – Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35777460-02, +92-42-37032203, +92-42-35874353
Fax: +92-42-35777524
Cell: +92-324-4925611
Email: info@pcjcci.org
Website: www.pcjcci.org