APL feeder service to cut transit time for New York to 23 days
MUZAFFAR QURESHI
KARACHI (April 01 2004): The American President Line (APL) has introduced a new feeder service for exports to USA which would cut the transit time for New York from 29 days to 23 days.
The new feeder vessels - m.v. Colombo and m.v. Tiger Ocean - will sail from East Wharf of the Karachi port on April 8 and April 15, respectively.
Their regular weekly sailing will be on every Wednesday and Thursday.
The new sailing arrangements would also cut transit time for Norfolk from 32 days to 25 days and for Charleston from 35 days to 27 days.
A spokesman of the shipping line said on Wednesday that it had already cut the transit time for Los Angeles to 22, which was the minimum provided by any shipping line operating on the US route.
Explaining the improved transit time for cargo destined for the US, he said that the APL had made arrangements with Bengal Tiger Line to fetch exports from Karachi directly to Novashiva in Mumbai from where it would be loaded onto the direct service for the US.
Earlier, the export cargo from Karachi was shipped to Colombo from where it was carried to Novashiva for loading on the US service.
The cutting down of one destination port for the Pakistan export cargo had made it possible for the line to considerably cut the transit time, he added.
The APL informed the exporters that the new feeder vessels would be loading at East Wharf of the Karachi Port and they were requested to present their shipments accordingly at the MTO 14 Overflow, East Wharf.
The clearing agents have been advised to submit the draft bill of lading along with the shipping bill in line with the US customs requirements.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2004
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Russian businessmen ready to help expand Pakistan Steel
RAWALPINDI (April 01 2004): A high-level Russian business delegation led by President of Tyazhpromexprt Nikolay V Ulyanon called on President General Pervez Musharraf here on Wednesday and expressed its readiness to help in the expansion of Pakistan Steel Mills.
The Russian team was of the view that expansion of the Pakistan Steel would increase its efficiency, optimise the production capacity and increase profitability.
The President, while appreciating the gesture of the delegation, said their proposal would be sent to the consultants of Pakistan Steel for further study.
During the meeting, prospects and opportunities for enhancing trade and commercial relations between the two countries also came under discussion.
The Russians appreciated the investment opportunities in Pakistan due to the economic policies of the government, which have created a business friendly atmosphere.
Musharraf referred to his visit to the Russian Federation and said Pakistan was keen to enhance bilateral relations in different fields.
Pakistan Steel Chairman Lieutenant General Abdul Qayyum Khan (Retd) and Planning Commission deputy chairman Akram Sheikh were also present during the meeting.
Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2004
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