SeaLead launches DUKE route connecting Pakistan with the Middle East and East Africa
On December 19, Singapore shipping company SeaLead announced the launch of the non-stop liner DUKE route connecting Pakistan with the Middle East and East Africa.
The route expands SeaLead's presence in Pakistan by connecting it to the Middle East through Jebel Ali, a major transshipment hub, and further enhances Pakistan's connectivity to East Africa via the Middle East, thereby improving export opportunities, SeaLead said.
Sungreen Logistics has learned that the launch of DUKE's services is of particular significance given the close trade relationship between Pakistan and the UAE.
According to Arab News, the UAE is Pakistan's third largest trading partner after China and the United States, with bilateral trade reaching $5.6 billion in fiscal year 2023-24. Of this, Pakistan's exports to the UAE amounted to $1.59 billion and its imports to the UAE amounted to $4 billion. DUKE Services aims to increase exports to the UAE to $2 billion by the end of the next fiscal year, providing a reliable platform to support these growing trade volumes.
Notably, Pakistan is also seeking to strengthen trade links with Africa, a region with great growth potential. According to the International News, Pakistan's exports to the African continent are only $2 billion, and trade activities involve only 20 out of 54 African countries. Despite the World Bank's optimistic forecast that Africa's GDP could reach $26 trillion by 2050, Pakistan's trade volume is still lower than expected.
Shiva Mahadevan, regional managing Director, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, SeaLead, said: "The DUKE route is another step in our strategy to expand into Pakistan and strengthen our presence in the Middle East and East Africa. With superior transport and strategic connectivity, the route brings exceptional value to our customers, helping them access new markets."
The route expands SeaLead's presence in Pakistan by connecting it to the Middle East through Jebel Ali, a major transshipment hub, and further enhances Pakistan's connectivity to East Africa via the Middle East, thereby improving export opportunities, SeaLead said.
Sungreen Logistics has learned that the launch of DUKE's services is of particular significance given the close trade relationship between Pakistan and the UAE.
According to Arab News, the UAE is Pakistan's third largest trading partner after China and the United States, with bilateral trade reaching $5.6 billion in fiscal year 2023-24. Of this, Pakistan's exports to the UAE amounted to $1.59 billion and its imports to the UAE amounted to $4 billion. DUKE Services aims to increase exports to the UAE to $2 billion by the end of the next fiscal year, providing a reliable platform to support these growing trade volumes.
Notably, Pakistan is also seeking to strengthen trade links with Africa, a region with great growth potential. According to the International News, Pakistan's exports to the African continent are only $2 billion, and trade activities involve only 20 out of 54 African countries. Despite the World Bank's optimistic forecast that Africa's GDP could reach $26 trillion by 2050, Pakistan's trade volume is still lower than expected.
Shiva Mahadevan, regional managing Director, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, SeaLead, said: "The DUKE route is another step in our strategy to expand into Pakistan and strengthen our presence in the Middle East and East Africa. With superior transport and strategic connectivity, the route brings exceptional value to our customers, helping them access new markets."
