NLC transforms Sialkot Dry Port hub for international logistics

Islamabad:National Logistics Corporation (NLC) in collaboration with the business community of Sialkot and other stakeholders made the Sambrial Dry Port as TIR Hub empowering the exporters to have direct access to the vast markets of Central Asia, Russia and beyond, says a press release.

With activation of Sialkot Dry Port Trust Sumbrial as TIR Hub, exporters and importers can now leverage hassle-free, door-to-door services for Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL) from Sialkot to Central Asia and Russia.

NLC will offer sealed transit throughout the entire journey without the need for exchange of trucks or cross loading of goods at borders. Other important features of the service are cargo insurance and tracking of the shipment during transit. The streamlined connectivity paves the way for expanded market opportunities, reducing transit times and enhancing exports competitiveness.

Marking the beginning of this transformative development, the first convoy of NLC trucks embarked on its journey from Sialkot to Uzbekistan and onwards to Russia.

A launch ceremony was held at Sialkot Dry Port Trust, Sambrial that was attended by senior officials from the Sialkot Dry Port Trust, NLC, Customs, prominent members of the associations representing sports goods, surgical equipment, leather and other industries. Speaking on the occasion, representatives of the business community hailed NLC’s initiative as a major breakthrough that will significantly reduce transit time and transportation costs, enhancing the competitiveness of Pakistani export products in regional markets.

Exporters also lauded NLC’s unwavering commitment to providing cross-border logistics, enabling access to the previously untapped markets. They acknowledged this initiative will prove as a catalyst for boosting trade volumes and strengthening Pakistan’s exports footprint in Central Asian, Russian markets and other markets.