TDAP CE says TDAP striving to portray ‘soft image’ of Pakistan globally to promote trade
Exporters urge TDAP to evolve effective mechanism for ‘proper’ use of Export Development Fund
Exporters want special package for upgrading and modernising export-oriented industries of Sialkot
SIALKOT: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Chief Executive SM Muneer has said that the Sialkot exporters have been playing a vital role in strengthening and boosting the national exports and economy by earning foreign exchange and they need the government’s encouragement and patronisation.
He said this while addressing a meeting of Sialkot’s trade bodies held under the auspices of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Saturday.
SCCI President Fazal Jillani, Senior Vice President Mir Alamgir Myere, Vice President Malik Naseer Akhtar, Group Leader Riazuddin Sheikh, Sialkot Dry Port Trust (SDPT) Chairman Ishaq Butt, Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PGMEA) Chairman Muhammad Younus and Vice Chairman Sheikh Ejaz Jammu were also present on the occasion.
Muneer said the TDAP would encourage
the exporters at every level,
enabling them to enhance the national exports.
He added that the TDAP would ensure the easy access of Sialkot exporters to the international and world trade markets. The TDAP chief executive assured the exporters that the TDAP would consider SCCI’s proposal regarding provision of maximum stalls to Sialkot exporters’ at all international trade fares and exhibitions, including ISP, EICMA and MEDICA.
He also assured his full cooperation in the early release of a special grant of Rs 14 million from the Export Development Fund (EDF) for the continuity of the ongoing internationally recognised child labour elimination programme from Sialkot’s football industry and its regular monitoring under a joint supervision of IMAC, SCCI and CSDO.
Muneer said that the TDAP would help the Sialkot exporters to promote exports of non-traditional products globally. He urged them to focus on non-traditional export products, saying that such products could have a great potential besides paving the way for the exporters to explore and capture new markets across the world.
During the meeting, SCCI President Fazal Jillani sought early revamping of TDAP’s policy of formation of international trade delegation. He also urged Muneer to take Sialkot exporters into confidence besides restoring the TDAP’s shelved subsidy for exporters on air tickets and daily allowance during foreign trips arranged by the TDAP.
The exporters urged the TDAP to evolve an effective mechanism for the “proper” use of the Export Development Fund (EDF). They told the TDAP CE that the Sialkot exporters deposit Rs 450 million annually in the EDF. They said they deserve all EDF-related incentives for the promotion and enhancement of their exports. They pointed out that Sialkot’s export-oriented industries were being ignored regarding distribution of EDF due to the mechanism.
The exporters also urged the TDAP to announce a trade-related special package, especially the direly needed Research and Development funds, for upgrading and modernising the export-oriented industries of Sialkot.
Muneer said that the TDAP was evolving an effective strategy to flourish and promote trade abroad and to boost national exports by taking the exporters into confidence. He added that the TDAP was also striving to portray a “soft image” of Pakistan globally to promote trade and to bring maximum foreign investment.
The exporters said the advanced manufacturing and production technology should be brought to Pakistan from abroad for developing and boosting these industries in the larger national interest.
The business community urged the government to take measures to ensure the continuity of effective and positive economical, industrial and trade policies to strengthen the national economy and promotion of sustainable trade activities.
The also urged the TDAP to prepare an advanced strategy for ensuring the maximum consumption of Sialkot-made traditional and non-traditional exports internationally, following the global challenges of the World Trade Organisation.
