BEIJING: The Director General of the National Logistic Cell (NLC), Major Gen. Farrukh Shahzad Rao, on Monday highlighted the organization’s efforts to establish land routes connecting Pakistan to Central Asian states through China to advance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) flagship project.
He stated this while attending Beijing’s 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).
Scheduled for September 2-6, CIFTIS has garnered participation from more than 2,200 enterprises and representatives from 75 countries and international organizations, with over 20% being international participants.
The NLC proudly displayed its achievements, especially in facilitating trade between regional countries, at the Pakistan Pavilion within CIFTIS. Major Gen. Farrukh Shahzad Rao highlighted the successful opening of a trade route from Kashgar, Xinjiang, to Karachi and the establishment of joint ventures with Chinese logistics companies.
He emphasized that their operations extend beyond Western China, encompassing cargo from Shanghai, which is transported to Tashkurgan, Urumqi, or Kashgar before reaching Karachi.
In addition to these developments, the NLC is actively boosting trade between regional nations, including transporting goods from Afghanistan to Kashgar and Kabul. Furthermore, they have initiated trade convoys to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan through Afghanistan, and plans are underway for road transport to Moscow.
Farrukh Shahzad Rao expressed confidence that the NLC’s efforts will seamlessly integrate the entire region in terms of regional trade. He revealed plans to explore multimodal transport options once the trade lines are entirely developed.
Highlighting the government of Pakistan’s commitment to harnessing the country’s potential as a transit trade hub, Major Gen. Farrukh Shahzad Rao underscored the significance of their visit to Beijing and participation in the event. He mentioned upcoming meetings with Chinese officials and logistics companies, emphasizing the comprehensive solutions the NLC offers to traders, including marine and air services.
Additionally, the NLC delegation intends to visit various cities in China, including Jinan Shandong province, to showcase their products and collaborate with interested companies. Major Gen. Farrukh Shahzad Rao anticipated that this engagement would mutually benefit China and Pakistan. —APP
