Pakistani fruit and vegetable exporters have accused shipping companies of discrimination, suggesting their Indian counterparts are receiving preferential treatment.
According to Pakistan’s Daily Times, Indian exporters are being offered lower freight rates, making products grown in Pakistan uncompetitive in the global market.
Pakistani vegetable exporter Haji Shahjahan told the Times the variance in freight rates has become most evident since mango, kinnow and potato exports commenced earlier this year.
Shahjahan claimed Indian exporters pay US$1,400 per 40ft container destined for Malaysia, while Pakistani exporters were forced to pay up to US$2,000 for the same service.
He suggested the differential is about US$400 for services to the Middle East.
Shahjahan believes the monopoly a small number of shipping companies hold in the Pakistan market has given them a free reign to impose higher fixed rates compared to India.
“Foreign companies are exploiting Pakistani exporters, thereby forcing them to pay higher freight charges for no fault of theirs,” Shahjahan told the Times.
