Fozia Azam

A cargo express train service from Sialkot to Karachi is needed to increase the efficiency of sports goods logistics system, and to ensure the safety of the consignments from potential threats associated with traditional means of transportation, said a leading exporter. “The cargo express service is a long-standing demand from exporters as it will ensure transportation flow of sports goods more conveniently, quickly and securely, and will also enable exporters to promote business and trade activities,” said Mohsin Masood, Secretary General of Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PSGMEA), while talking to WealthPK.

He opined that the beginning of a cargo express train between Sialkot and Karachi will be highly beneficial not only for the export-based industries of Sialkot, but also for the department of Pakistan Railways. Sialkot is an export-oriented city where 99% of the products are exported around the globe and the Sialkot Dry Port Trust handles 3,223 export consignments per month weighing 10,680 tons worth Rs19,039 million excluding the major chunk of cargo that is directly cleared from Karachi Customs. This cargo is transported from dry port mainly to Karachi, and also to Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar airports, Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Port Qasim.

Mohsin said sports goods are one of the most valuable and important commodities in international trade. In Pakistan the sports goods cluster is scattered around Sialkot city, and main concentrations are on Daska Road, Defence Road, Marala Road, Small Industrial Estate, Shahabpura, Uggoki Road, Kashmir Road and Pasrur Road. “The cluster enjoys an impeccable position in the international market of sports goods and world-famous brands such as Addidas, Micassa, Puma, Mitre, Select, Umbro, Lotto, Diadora, Decathlon, and Wilsons source their products from Sialkot,” he mentioned.

He said the local craftsmen produce immaculate products while export-oriented entrepreneurs ensure that products reach international destinations. More than 200,000 people are engaged directly or indirectly with export activities, while the export earnings of the city are estimated to hover around $900 million. The major markets are European Union, North America and South America. Around 98% of the total sports goods produced in the cluster are sold internationally. At present, Sialkot caters to around 60% of global demand of hand stitched inflatable balls, which translates into around 39 million balls annually.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk