KARACHI, April 29, 2026 — Pakistan Customs has successfully processed the first export shipment from the Export Processing Zone Karachi to Kyrgyzstan under the TIR Convention, marking a significant step toward enhancing Pakistan’s land-based trade connectivity with Central Asia.
At the High-Level EU-Pakistan Business Forum 2026,
The shipment, valued at $59,314 and weighing 23.9 metric tons, included a variety of products such as oil, tea, henna, herbs, cream, and soap exported by Hemani Group. The consignment was routed via Sost through China, establishing a new overland trade corridor.
Officials said the consignment was cleared electronically using the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) after the EPZ Karachi was formally activated as a TIR station.
The initiative was led by the Directorate General of Transit Trade in coordination with multiple stakeholders, including PSW, TIR operators, Pakistan National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce, and the International Road Transport Union. All required procedures, including electronic pre-declarations, were completed to ensure seamless transit.
This development is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity and provide exporters in Karachi’s EPZ with direct and efficient access to Central Asian markets, reducing reliance on traditional maritime routes.
Officials noted that the successful execution of the first TIR shipment demonstrates Pakistan’s growing capacity in trade facilitation and its commitment to integrating with regional and global supply chains.
