Pakistan has initiated fruit shipments to Russia through a land route, marking a significant advancement in regional commerce.
In the initial phase, sixteen trucks from the National Logistics Corporation, filled with oranges, have reached the Russian cities of Derbent and Grozny, travelling nearly six thousand kilometres.
Russia has commended the NLC’s role in enhancing trade relations between the two nations. Previously, the Corporation facilitated the export of bananas, meat, and seafood to Central Asian Republics and China.
Notably, Pakistan procured discounted Russian crude oil for the first time last April under a newly established agreement with Moscow. Analysts believe that the inauguration of direct shipping services has transformed the trade dynamics between the two countries, offering vast commercial prospects and the possibility of expanding bilateral trade to up to US$20 billion.
This direct cargo service significantly reduces shipping duration from a month to 18 days. Pakistan’s exports to Russia are valued at USD 150 million, with imports at approximately USD 300 million. The new shipping route is expected to increase Pakistani exports to Russia by USD$2.5 billion in the forthcoming years.
