‘Upgrading road networks, logistics must for power projects’

KARACHI: There is dire need to develop the logistics sector, particularly for the transportation of equipments needed for power projects; this was the crux of ‘Logistics for Tomorrow’, hosted by e2e Supply Chain Management Pvt Limited on Wednesday.
The consensus was that the road networks need to be improved, as the current road networks were unable to sustain heavy loads to transport equipment related to the power sector.
The panel discussion focused on the insights into strategic, tactical, and operational logistics’ plan. With the government going all out to tackle the alarming energy crisis in the country, and several power generation projects scheduled to come on-stream in both the public and the private sector in the coming years, logistics management will play a critical role in ensuring targeted timelines.
The discussion focused on the importance of logistics for the power projects. It was also said that in Pakistan there was a severe shortage of chartered aircrafts, a challenge to transport sensitive and heavy equipments.
One of the panellists emphasised the importance of Bulk Break vessels and said that Bulk Break vessels play a major role in transporting big and heavy weight cargo of any shape and size. Around 70 percent of the world’s power project equipments are transported through this vessel. It is said that Bulk Break are decreasing globally.
It was said that on a road, the real challenge was haulage due to lack of proper road network and specialised logistics to serve different cargo needs. One of the panellist said the road network in Sindh was one of the worst, and the government was neither improving the existing roads, nor building any new ones. As soon as the province of Punjab starts, the road conditions changed drastically, which shows the disparity of the road networks. However, even in interior Punjab, the road networks need uplift.
Frank Zeng Director of Marketing and Sales at GEODIS, China, said, “I am amazed to see the rapid pace of economic development here, and the great potential Pakistan has with regards to the logistics infrastructure, skilled human resource and trade opportunities. The upcoming collaboration for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will undoubtedly bring fruitful results for both countries.”
In his presentation, Zeng emphasised the vital importance of logistics with relevance to the local industry and the ongoing expansion of the power sector. Further into the session, the significance of Gwadar was also highlighted with the development of CPEC and the lucrative impact it will have on Pakistan and China’s trade.
Abid Butt, Chairman and CEO of e2e, said, “It is a great honour for us to have the presence of Zeng at this important occasion. His knowledge and insights of the subject matter are impeccable and will be a great value addition in further exploring opportunities for the strategic development of the power sector.”
With the focus on energy and transportation networks, the CPEC will strengthen and enhance Pakistan and China’s bilateral trade with cardinal regard to the upcoming $1.8 billion Thar coal-based project, the 1GW solar power park and various other renewable energy projects.
Butt said that there were serious infrastructure issues which need to be addressed. He said that more regional borders will be opened for trade, including with Iran, Afghanistan, and China.
The well-attended session was presided over by Frank Zeng, who was also the keynote speaker at the event. Zeng was also joined by Adil Rashid, GM Planning and Development from China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC), Shah Zaman, a renowned custom clearance agent, and Syed Moonis Abdullah Alvi, CFO, Karachi Electric.