KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Tuesday highlighted the potential of inland water transport to reduce logistics costs and improve Pakistan’s competitiveness, calling for greater private sector investment in the sector.
Speaking at a session titled ‘Inland Water Management and Business Opportunities’ at the FPCCI’s Federation House, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said the development of inland water transport could significantly lower the cost of doing business while creating new investment opportunities.
The session featured a presentation by water expert Commodore Naeem Sarfraz, who outlined the strategic and commercial potential of inland waterways.Sheikh said Pakistan needed to utilise its natural water resources more effectively, adding that an inland water transport network from Attock to Karachi could serve as an efficient freight corridor. He said the FPCCI was committed to promoting water transport and better water management to enhance the country’s global competitiveness.
FPCCI former president SM Tanveer said the inland water transport sector offered significant opportunities for private investment and entrepreneurship. He said shifting freight from roads to waterways could reduce logistics costs by up to ten times compared with road transport and by up to three times compared with rail transport.
During his presentation, Sarfraz said some east-to-west commercial operations had already commenced, while north-to-south operations could begin soon with the support of relevant stakeholders.
FPCCI Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon said the chamber would encourage and facilitate its members to invest in the sector, citing Bangladesh as a regional example of successful inland water transport development.
FPCCI Vice President and Regional Chairperson Sindh Abdul Mohamin Khan said the expansion of inland water transport could help reduce the overall cost of doing business in Pakistan.Chairperson of the FPCCI Policy Advisory Board Mian Zahid Hussain said rising freight charges had increased the need for alternative transport infrastructure, adding that road transport costs had become a significant burden for businesses.
