The upcoming carbon taxation measures in European Union (EU) countries could indeed pose a challenge for Pakistan’s exports, particularly if the country continues to rely on fossil fuels like coal for electricity production. These measures are part of the EU's broader climate strategy to reduce carbon emissions and encourage the shift toward cleaner energy sources. As carbon taxes increase, industries in countries like Pakistan that are heavily reliant on coal could face higher costs for their products when trying to access the EU market, which might reduce their competitiveness. Carbon taxation in the EU represents a challenge for Pakistan’s exports, it also presents an opportunity to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. An approach that involves affected communities, local governments, and industrialists will be essential in ensuring that Pakistan can meet its climate goals while also ensuring a just transition for those directly impacted by the move away from coal.
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Carbon Taxation Measures in European Union (EU) Challenge for Pakistan’s Exports
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KS&EWL to Deliver Container Ship to PNSC
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Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Limited (KS&EWL) is set to deliver a significant new addition to Pakistan’s maritime fleet by providing the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) with its first container ship by next year. This new vessel will mark a milestone in PNSC’s history, as the corporation currently does not own a container ship in its fleet. The ship will be capable of lifting up to 26,000 tons of cargo. It will have a maximum speed of 18 knots and a range of approximately 8,000 nautical miles. This range makes it well-suited for long-distance voyages and international trade routes. The overall length of the container ship will be 147.9 meters, which positions it as a medium-sized vessel in the global shipping industry. This new vessel could open doors for PNSC to expand its business operations, possibly offering more competitive rates and services in the global shipping market. It also serves as a catalyst for future shipbuilding projects in Pakistan, further boosting the local maritime industry.
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Pakistan Railways (PR) is set to construct a 105-kilometer railway line connecting the Thar Coal mines with Port Qasim, with the project expected to be completed by October 2025. This new rail link, stretching from Islam Kot to Chhor, is part of a broader initiative to enhance the country’s bulk transportation capabilities, supporting economic growth and enabling efficient coal transportation nationwide. The project is a joint venture, with financing provided by both the Sindh provincial government and the federal government. Once completed, the railway line will play a crucial role in transporting coal to various parts of Pakistan, facilitating industries like cement and textiles by providing them with a more cost-effective fuel alternative. This development objects to improve the overall energy and transportation infrastructure, making it easier and cheaper to move coal from the Thar region to key industrial hubs, such as those around Port Qasim.
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Railway Line Connecting the Thar Coal Mines with Port Qasim
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PNSC to Acquire New Aframax Vessels
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Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) has unveiled plans to acquire new Aframax vessels by 2028 as part of its strategy to modernize its fleet and boost maritime capabilities. The company plans to replace four of its five Aframax vessels, which are 18–19 years old. International tenders have been floated, with bids received from shipyards in the UK, China, and other countries. The contract finalization is expected by the end of 2024. Under the State-Owned Enterprises Act 2023, PNSC can now align its procurement policies with international shipping industry standards, pending federal cabinet approval. The new vessels will adhere to the International Maritime Organization’s emission reduction targets, including a 20 percent reduction by 2030, 70 percent by 2040, and net-zero emissions by 2050. These ships will feature internally coated tanks, allowing them to carry both dirty and clean liquids, thereby enhancing market acceptance. The outlook for Aframax operations remains optimistic, supported by consistent demand for refinery product cargoes.
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Pakistan’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) represents a step towards sustainable greener transportation but poses serious financial challenges, especially for road infrastructure funding. Currently, over 80% of Pakistan’s road user revenues are derived from fuel taxes approximately $5.68 billion annually. This critical revenue source is expected to shrink substantially, potentially covering only 35% of road maintenance costs. The decline in fuel consumption could lead to a gradual decline for the country’s energy sector. The National Electric Vehicle Policy (2021) aims to electrify 30% of cars and 50% of two- and three-wheelers by 2030, driving a shift towards greener transportation options. The transition could be hindered without sufficient charging infrastructure and with limitations in the electricity network.
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Pakistan Toward Greener Transportation
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Strategic Partnership between Belarus and Pakistan
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The strategic partnership between Belarus and Pakistan is set to expand, with both nations working on enhancing connectivity. This move aligns with Pakistan's broader objective to become a central trade and transit hub, boosting regional connectivity and economic growth. The government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) collaboration has shared economic objectives, particularly in infrastructure and transportation sectors. Both countries recognize the importance of cross-border trade, which plays a vital role in strengthening their economies and fostering bilateral ties. Despite the current trade volume between the two countries being low, there is untapped potential for cooperation in various sectors, such as food, pharmaceuticals, textiles, leather, logistics, and energy. Pakistan’s exports, including meat, dairy, agricultural, and industrial products, hold great potential for growth in Belarus. Belarus’s agricultural machinery and petrochemical products are in high demand in Pakistan.
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The growing importance of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Pakistan’s energy mix has become a significant point of focus, with its share doubling from 1.0% to 2.0%. This increase highlights the expanding role of LPG as a fuel source in the country, and forecasts suggest this trend will continue. Pakistan needs to modernize its infrastructure as demand for LPG grows. There is an urgent need to enhance infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability and safety, including manufacturing facilities and establishing a robust regulatory framework must be developed to ensure for safe storage of LPG, as well as for the transportation and distribution of the gas with fairness, and efficiency throughout the supply chain.
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LPG Sector to Reform Infrastructure
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Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to Increase in Margins
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Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Pakistan have expressed concerns over the increase in margins proposed by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) for petroleum products, deeming the hike "insufficient" to cover the rising operational and financial costs they are facing. The OMCs have raised these concerns in the context of several critical cost components that are central to their business operations and highlighted various operational expenses, such as labor costs, maintenance, and administrative expenses. The Oil Marketing Companies’ request for a more margin increase in maintaining an efficient and reliable supply of petroleum products and to ensure a stable petroleum supply in the country, OGRA may need to reassess the proposed margin adjustments to reflect the full spectrum of operational and financial costs that OMCs are encountering.
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Under the facilitation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Pakistan has made a rise in agricultural exports with the successful shipment of its first consignment of berry honey to Malaysia. This milestone highlights Pakistan's growing role as a reliable supplier of honey on the global stage while boosting economic growth in the region. A crucial role in fostering business connections between Pakistani and Malaysian enterprises has been played The Pakistan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, ensuring smooth trade relations. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, a key hub for honey production in Pakistan, contributes 20,000 tons of honey annually from over 60,000 honey farms, providing employment to approximately 1.6 million people. The region's infrastructure includes well-established bee clusters and processing facilities that support the thriving honey industry. Consultations with industry experts are underway to explore investment opportunities in bee clusters and processing capabilities to further develop this sector. "Honey Board", the dedicated institution is being considered to streamline and enhance the industry's export potential.
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Pakistan’s First Export Shipment of Berry Honey to Malaysia
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B2B 13 MoUs Signed of Worth $250 Million
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The economic relationship between Pakistan and China, highlighting the continued growth of trade and investment partnerships between the two countries. The signing of 13 MoUs worth $250 million is a strong indicator of shared commitment to enhancing collaboration in areas such as animal fodder and the processing of fruits and vegetables. Both nations are not only promoting economic growth but also reinforcing their strategic partnership in the agriculture and food processing industries. The successful organization of these sector-specific B2B matchmaking meetings by the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing, in coordination with Pakistan’s Board of Investment (BOI), played a pivotal role in facilitating meaningful engagements. Over 150 meetings were conducted, with 30 of them being virtual, demonstrates the proactive approach in building networks and fostering direct collaborations.
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