The introduction of a direct maritime link between Pakistan and Bangladesh has already made waves in regional trade, with more than 1,000 containers shipped since its launch in October 2024, according to port operator DP World.
This new shipping route is expected to significantly boost connectivity, streamline logistics, and reduce transit times, paving the way for enhanced trade between the two South Asian nations.
The Pakistan-Bangladesh direct route, which eliminates the need for transshipment, offers a remarkable 50% reduction in transit times, making it a highly efficient and reliable solution for importers and exporters.
This maritime connection is part of a broader initiative aimed at improving regional trade, which rotates between key ports in Malaysia, the UAE, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and India.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive of DP World, emphasized the importance of this new route, stating, “We are committed to enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating trade growth. This new service line is a testament to our dedication to providing innovative logistics solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. This new route, also connects to many of our regional and global routes, giving businesses and traders connectivity to all parts of our global network, enhancing their opportunities to build their business, and service new customers.”
The latest shipment, aboard the MV Yuan Xiang Fa Zhan, left Karachi and is expected to arrive at Chittagong Port in Bangladesh on January 11, 2025, carrying a variety of goods, including industrial raw materials, agricultural products, and textile fabrics. The successful voyages so far underscore the growing demand for this service, with the second shipment more than doubling the container load of the first.
Launched on October 30, the first voyage of this direct service carried 304 containers directly from Karachi to Chittagong, reducing transit time to just 11 days. The elimination of transshipment further improves efficiency, offering businesses a more competitive edge by cutting down on logistics costs.
This direct Pakistan-Bangladesh maritime route is a key component of a wider service linking six countries across South and Southeast Asia, including Port Klang in Malaysia, Jebel Ali in the UAE, Karachi in Pakistan, Chittagong in Bangladesh, Belawan in Indonesia, and Mundra in India.
By enhancing connectivity across this broader region, DP World and NLC are driving growth and fostering stronger economic ties between these nations. “This initiative marks the start of a new era in trade, driven by the joint venture between DP World and NLC, and is an essential part of a larger regional roadmap focused on growth, prosperity, and progress for the entire region,” according to DP World statement.
The new direct shipping service is being hailed as a transformative step in facilitating regional trade and strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.