ISLAMABAD: Federal Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan has said the government will increase exports despite challenges.
He said that policy reforms would be introduced in Budget 2015-16 in this regard. He said that departments concerned have been told to make consultations to resolve issues of importers.
Under the vision of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, he said, the federal and provincial governments would work shoulder-to-shoulder to increase exports. He said suggestions of the importers would also be sent to the prime minister and orders would be issued to resolve their issues. He said this while presiding over a meeting of exporter associations.
The meeting was attended by Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers Association, All Pakistan Bedsheet and Holestery Manufacturers Association, Pakistan Fan Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, Pipe Exporters Association, Cutlery Exporters Association, Hosiery Exporters, Surgical Exporters, Pakistan Sports Goods Association and Leather Association. They gave suggestions to improve Pakistan’s exports. The meeting was also attended by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Chief Executive OIfficer SM Munir and Commerce Ministry officials.
The federal minister said the government would form sectoral committtees to increase exports. He said establishment of state-of-the-art laboratories for certification and standardisation of imports was the government’s priority. He urged the exporters to utilise research and training to modernise their products. He also assured them of the government’s support.
The meeting was told that the electricty crisis has affected production. The participants urged the government to make an effective plan to help exporters cut production cost of their products. The meeting participants condemned the sit-ins and said protests had become a reason for economic instability and international traders were shying away from coming to Pakistan.
