ISLAMABAD: Taking strong notice of the falling exports, the federal government has decided to speed up the process of initiative to enhance exports. In this regard, process of free trade agreements with Thailand and Turkey will be completed by the February 2017.
Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan while speaking in an informal interaction with reporters on the sideline of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce said that Pak-Iran Joint Economic Commission meeting would be held next month, December 2016.
He said that an increasing trend in the exports had started however, it would further soar up with finalization and implementation of free trade agreements with Turkey and Thailand by the February 2017.
On this occasion, Secretary Commerce Azmat Ali Ranjha while responding to different queries said that business activities with India through Wagah had not been affected due to the tension between both the countries. He said that quantum of trade through Wagah was quite intact and there was not slight decrease.
On the agenda item related to the export/ import shipments lying at lying at ports since 2013 as well as shipments released and lying pending on Ports during 2013-16, the Pakistan Customs officials briefed the 146 imported vehicles had been taken into custody over non fulfillment of required legal documentation and procedures.
Chairman committee directed commerce minister to get the said vehicles released from the Pakistan Customs. At this stage, chairman committee seemed making entreaties to both the customs officials and minister for releasing the said vehicles, however, minister assured the house that Ministry of Commerce would take required measures to release the vehicles after meeting the legal requirements alone.
Ministry officials prayed for deferment of discussion on Marine Insurance Bill 2016 and Committee deferred the deliberations on the said bill to next meeting.
