The consignments carrying $15 million worth perishable goods are included in the 700 and 500 containers of Kinnow and onion respectively, which are feared to be unfit for export if they are left for more days. According to Waheed Ahmed, Chairman Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) serious losses to over 250 factories are feared besides the storage facilities in the country also do not have the space to accommodate the fruits.
An opportunity of exporting onions and potatoes to Sri Lanka, which has recently reduced the Rs 35/kg cess may also remain unavailed only because of the sudden halt in goods movement. Exporter had estimated sending goods worth $2 million to Sri Lanka after reduction in the cess.
Indian exporters would be the beneficiaries of the current development in Pakistan as Sri Lankan importers would now look towards Delhi to meet the demand of vegetable in their country, he claimed. The importers of Pakistani goods at foreign destinations are demanding their shipments by air which is not possible. Besides goods destined for local and foreign shipments have piled up at units, forcing many units to curtail their production. The country's exports were dented after transporters went on strike against what they claimed to be incidents of thefts, extortion and challans by the motorway police.
Talking to Business Recorder, Javed Ghori, Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) said that situation of exports has now turned from bad to worse as 800 to 1000 trucks/containers being shifted to the port daily have been halted for the last seven days. "Our scheduled ships at ports have left for their destinations without the consignments," he said adding that almost all factories concerned with rice have been closed as the whole supply chain system has been badly disturbed.
"Surprisingly, the government and concerned authorities are doing nothing to resolve the issue despite the fact that the matter could badly affect the country's overall exports," he said. Another exporter said "the strike has resulted in the stoppage of raw material supply to the already crippled. This is seventh consecutive day and there is no space left at the KICT/PICT for the discharge of new lots from containers."
On the other hand, according to Khalid Khan, who is leading the transporters, the countrywide strike will continue unless their demands, including security and problems with the National Highways and Motorway Police are met. The protest would go on under the banner of "United Goods Transporters Alliance" till the accomplishment of demands and goods supply and transportation to and from all the three seaports of the country and every manufacturing unit will remain suspended.