TC Mar-Apr 2021 Issue

TRADE CHRONICLE
PQA contracts to buy tug,
pilot boats
Port Qasim Authority (PQA) has signed
two historic contracts with M/S Sanmar
Shipyards, Turkey for procurement of
four ASD Tugs (LNG compatible) and
two pilot boats for $33.46 million. The
crafts would be delivered within 12
months, a statement said.
“Sanmar is the leading shipyard of
Turkey. This will be a significant step
forward in brotherly relations between
both the nations,” a statement said.
Warehousing solution: Retailo signs
strategic partnership with Maersk
Retailo, the fastest growing B2B
e-commerce platform in the MENAP
region, partners with Maersk, a global
integrator of container logistics, for
warehousing services in Pakistan.
Through this regional partnership,
Retailo will be able to rely on Maersk
for its ever-expanding business needs
by getting access to purpose-built
warehouses and expand the scale of
Turkey pitches joint ventures
in shipbuilding industry
Turkey expressed interest in exploring
joint-venture opportunities in Pakistan’s
shipbuilding industry and maritime
businesses. Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul,
ambassador of Turkey advised
collaboration in blue economy during
a virtual meeting with Pakistani
businessmen. Consul General of
Pakistan in Istanbul Bilal Pasha,
Commercial Counselor of Turkey
Demir Ahmet Sakin and Commercial
Attache of Turkey in Karachi Eyyup
Yildirin made a detail presentation to
highlight the business and investment
opportunities in food, beverages,
medical equipment and construction
sector.
The meeting was followed by businessto-business
networking session that
was attended by more than 135
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs
Syed Ali Haider Zaidi and Turkish
its business.
Maersk, as a part
of its integrated
logistics solutions, has been offering
its customers with services that
cover their entire supply chain needs
including landside transportation,
warehousing, customs clearances,
ocean shipping, technology and other
customised offerings at origin and
destination. Expanding its footprint to
serve customers better specifically in
the warehousing landscape, Maersk
is creating a dedicated warehouse
solution for Retailo in Karachi.
The partnership with Maersk will help
Retailo manage their large inventories
as per specific requirements.
Retailo co-founder Wahaj Ahmed
commented on the exciting
developments, “As Retailo’s business
and reach grows, the storage, inbound
Pakistani and Turkish companies
representing food, beverages,
construction, construction
material, medical equipment and
their technologies and directors and
members of Pakistan-Turkey joint
business councils. Nasser Hyatt
Maggo, president of the Federation
of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce
and Industry underlined the need of
harmonisation of standards so that the
trade via third country could be reduced.
Ahmet Cengiz Özdemir, chairperson
of Turkey-Pakistan Business Council
underlined the need of enhancement
of trade, collaboration in transportation
corridor and diversification of relations
in various field. He also highlighted
the opportunities in energy, CPEC,
housing, SMEs, tourism, transportation
area for joint collaboration.
Arshad Jan, deputy head of mission/
minister, embassy of Pakistan also
Ambassador Mustafa Yardakul witness
contract signing at the Ministry of
Maritime office in Islamabad.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs
Syed Ali Haider Zaidi invited Sanmar to
build their shipyard in Pakistan, share
their expertise, transfer the technology
and benefit from the local skilled
workforce and low wages in Pakistan.
Sanmar Shipyard appreciated the due
diligence done by PQA management
and promised to deliver ahead of
schedule ensuring quality.
and outbound operations will grow
exponentially.
With Retailo’s vision of reaching and
impacting 10 million retailers across the
MENAP region in the future, a strategic
partnership with a reliable warehouse
services provider, like Maersk, will
prove to be a huge contributor in
realizing Retailo’s vision effectively.”
Maersk Pakistan’s Managing Director
Aruna Hussain commented on the
partnership, “At Maersk, our ambition is
to connect and simplify our customers’
supply chains. Our partnership with
Retailo strengthens our commitment
towards this ambition.
Retailo will commence operations with
Maersk Pakistan from 1st April 2021
and the two companies will explore
opportunities to grow and expand in
other geographies across MENAP.
showed his concern over the pandemic
which has reduced commercial
activities and highlighted the investment
opportunities in economic zones and
SEZs of Pakistan. He ensured his
continuous efforts and support for the
enhancement of trade relations.
Pakistan planned to resume cargo train
services via Iran to Turkey. The route
stretches 6,540 km. Some 1,950 km
of track is in Turkey, 2,600 km in Iran,
and another 1,990 km in Pakistan. The
journey from Istanbul to Islamabad will
take 10 days – much faster than the
21 days by sea between Turkey and
Pakistan. The root of the project is found
in container train service launched
in 2009 under the umbrella of the
Economic Cooperation Organization.
ECO is a 10-member political
and economic intergovernmental
organization founded in 1985 by Iran,
Pakistan and Turkey.
TRADE CHRONICLE - Mar - Apr - 2021 - Page # 19