FCCI Hails Transporters’ Strike Deferment, Seeks Permanent Solution For Smooth Exports
Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) President Farooq Yousaf Sheikh has welcomed the decision of goods transporters to defer their strike and described it as a positive development for industry and exports. In a statement on Monday, he urged the government and transporters to use this opportunity to reach a permanent settlement ensuring uninterrupted movement of industrial raw materials and finished goods.
He stated that:
Restoration of normal transportation operations would aid industries in rebuilding their supply chains and enable exporters to resume shipments with great confidence. Continuity and stability in the logistics system are crucial for securing new international orders and meeting delivery commitments.
Recognizing the impact of the nine-day strike, Sheikh noted that it disrupted the supply of imported raw materials, particularly for export-oriented industries, and containers held up for movement to ports would take around two to three weeks to return to normal circulation.
He expressed optimism that the strike deferment could facilitate meaningful negotiations between the government and transporters, leading to a durable resolution of their outstanding issues. Sheikh emphasized the importance of a permanent understanding to speedily restore disrupted supply chains, strengthen business confidence, and enable exporters to plan international shipments without uncertainty.
Recalling the vital role of exports in Pakistan’s economy, he called for an uninterrupted and reliable transportation network to expand market presence. A stable logistics system would allow exporters to accept more foreign orders and ensure their timely delivery, he added.
Sheikh urged both parties to resolve differences through dialogue and mutual understanding, avoiding any future disruptions to industrial activity and export consignments. He stressed the need for collective responsibility and prudent decisions in the current global economic environment, prioritizing the broader national interest while addressing stakeholder concerns.
Finally, Sheikh expressed hope that this development would initiate constructive engagement between the government and transporters, leading to a permanent mechanism for resolving transport-related issues.
