Pakistan begins maritime contact, first ship arrives from Karachi
For the first time, a direct maritime connection has been established between Pakistan and Bangladesh. On Monday (November 11), a cargo ship left Pakistan's Karachi port for Indonesia via Chattogram port. The ship was the first ship to dock directly in Chattogram from Karachi.
Chattogram port sources said that the Panama-flagged ship is named Wan Jiang Fa Zhan. The ship from Karachi had 370 single container goods. The ship's local agent in Bangladesh is a company owned by former minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury.
A press release from the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka confirmed the matter on Wednesday (November 13). It said, "A cargo ship directly from Karachi arrived at Chattogram port, which was the first direct maritime connection between the two countries." This journey highlights the growing demand for direct trade between the two countries.’
Pakistan High Commissioner Syed Ahmed Maruf is hopeful that bilateral trade and business relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh will increase through this. He said, ‘The direct shipping route will increase bilateral trade and business relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is also a major step in increasing the integrated and commercial network in the region. This initiative will not only accelerate the existing trade flow, but also create new business opportunities for both sides, from small traders to large exporters.’
The ship called at multiple ports on its way via Dubai, said Chattogram Port Secretary Md. Omar Farooq, adding that the ship also called at Pakistan’s Karachi port before arriving at Chattogram Port. The ship left for Indonesia on Tuesday (November 12).
Businessmen believe that if a regular sea route is ensured with Pakistan, there will be opportunities for business benefits. They said that Bangladesh will benefit financially if various food products including rice, onions, fruits, and even raw materials for clothing can be brought directly instead of through different channels. The export of many products including jute will also be accelerated. That is why everyone must be sincere about keeping this new route normal because any kind of narrowness also narrows the path to benefiting from international trade.