Transportation sector: DG NLC urges modernization to tackle challenge of CPEC

Director General NLC Major General Mushtaq Ahmed Faisal has said that National Logistic Cell (NLC) is contributing to all facets considered as yardstick for the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) of the country. Addressing the CPEC Logistics at National Institute of Transport (NIT) at National University of Science and Technology (NUST), DG NLC said that it is imperative to modernize the transportation sector to effectively tackle logistic challenge of CPEC.
"The successful actualization of CPEC requires a robust logistics mechanism for which collaboration between logistics industries of Pakistan and China is required," he said.
Gen Faisal said that NLC has taken a leap by signing Memorandum of Understanding with world renowned truck manufacturing company Diamler AG for setting up assembly plant of Mercedes-Benz in Pakistan. The landmark step will go a long way to modernize trucking sector of the country. The fuel-efficient and environment friendly trucks suited for all terrain will be available at competitive prices.
He said that NLC will shortly be undertaking Safe Transportation Environment project (STEP) by employing satellite and GSM technologies which will ensure en-route integrity of cargoes on the move.
DG NLC said that Border Terminals being managed by NLC are helping a great deal in facilitating the export import business. These terminals are being upgraded to reduce clearance time of consignments in coordination with other government agencies and departments.
Addressing the conference, Jiang Han, Political Counselor of Chinese Embassy, highlighted the importance of Belt and Road Initiative and its flagship project CPEC and said the project has brought in huge investment to Pakistan. Chinese companies have made investment of $ 100 billion in divergent fields including energy, infrastructure and other sectors which have created more than 200,000 new jobs. He termed misperceptions being created about CPEC as unfortunate and said that during China's 5000 year history it has never conquered any country rather it has been the victim of colonization. He said China has always maintained exemplary friendship with Pakistan.
Addressing the conference, Shoib Ahmad Siddiqi Secretary Planning, Development and Reforms said that CPEC is bringing positive changes in the economy of Pakistan. Other speakers discussed issues relating to Pakistan Road transport and Road safety, the fourth industrial revolution and role of NHA in CPEC.