ISLAMABAD, Jul 28 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said an efficient, integrated and technology-driven logistics system was indispensable for achieving export-led growth, industrial competitiveness and regional connectivity under the government's URAAN Pakistan initiative. He also directed the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) to expand the Sost Dry Port and strengthen logistics infrastructure, while chairing the 68th meeting of the National Logistics Board (NLB), …
Planning minister calls efficient logistics key to export-led growth, regional connectivity
ISLAMABAD, Jul 28 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said an efficient, integrated and technology-driven logistics system was indispensable for achieving export-led growth, industrial competitiveness and regional connectivity under the government’s URAAN Pakistan initiative.
He also directed the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) to expand the Sost Dry Port and strengthen logistics infrastructure, while chairing the 68th meeting of the National Logistics Board (NLB), the apex body overseeing the country’s logistics sector, attended by its members.
During the meeting, the Quartermaster General Pakistan Army, Officer In-Charge NLC and Director General NLC briefed the board on the organization’s operational, administrative and financial affairs.
The board was informed about NLC’s achievements in advancing regional connectivity, particularly through the establishment of Forward Transit Trade Hubs at Serhatabat in Turkmenistan, Termez in Uzbekistan and Kashgar in China, aimed at diversifying export routes for Pakistani products. Members were also briefed on new initiatives to strengthen logistics infrastructure and promote value addition in agricultural exports.
Highlighting the strategic importance of logistics, Ahsan Iqbal directed NLC to focus on expanding the Sost Dry Port as a key gateway for boosting Pakistan’s exports and enhancing regional trade connectivity.
He also instructed the corporation to establish a state-of-the-art driving academy in line with international standards to develop a skilled workforce capable of serving global logistics markets.
He stressed that trainees should also receive foreign language training to facilitate effective communication in cross-border trade, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The minister said logistics had evolved beyond the transportation of goods and had become the backbone of a competitive economy, the foundation of resilient supply chains and a strategic enabler of national security and sustainable development.
“For Pakistan, improving logistics is not simply a sectoral reform; it is a national economic imperative. As we pursue the goals of URAAN Pakistan, particularly export-led growth, industrial competitiveness and regional connectivity, an efficient, integrated and technology-driven logistics ecosystem will be indispensable,” Ahsan Iqbal said.
He said the country’s logistics reforms should focus on reducing the cost and time of doing business through efficient transport networks, multimodal connectivity, digital logistics and seamless trade facilitation to attract investment and position Pakistan as a regional connectivity hub linking South Asia, Central Asia, China and the Middle East.
The minister also commended NLC’s performance and acknowledged its leading role in the modernization and transformation of Pakistan’s logistics sector.
