ISLAMABAD: Minister for Commerce and Textile Engineer Khurram Dastgir said that the government is trying to widen the tax net to fend off financial crunch and all the people should play their due responsibility in this regard. The government has taken a number of practical and viable steps to enhance exports of the country. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif himself is visiting different countries to promote positive image of Pakistan to gain confidence of foreign countries and potential investors offering them safe investment opportunities in the country. That is why we are granted GSP Plus status by European Union.
In an exclusive interview with Customs Today, the minister said that a number of technical and legal requirements were fulfilled during last several months to become eligible for GSP Plus status. “In August 2013, our case was put forward and supported by Germany, UK and other countries and we are very thankful for their support. I also appreciate the role of Governor Punjab Chaudhry Sarwar because he used his contacts and links very efficiently to lobbying for Pakistan’s GSP Plus status”, he added.
He said, “Both the ministries performed very well after I took charge of these ministries and I tried my best to bring positive changes there and all this happened due to my experience as the Chairman of the Commerce Committee during the last regime. Now I possess all the expertise related to commerce.”
Talking about increasing trade relations with India, the minister said, “We want to improve these ties but only on the basis of equality, otherwise we don’t need improved trade ties with India. We want to enhance such relations with other countries as well but for this we have to improve our law and situation and PM Nawaz Sharif has taken several practical steps on priority basis. We hope Pakistan will get back its image as a peaceful country in the comity of nations.”
Khurram Dastgir said, “The government is trying hard to increase exports but industrialists and exporters have to maintain the standard of their goods as per international standards. We are presenting and exhibiting our best goods in international trade fairs and we are getting positives results as well.”
He said that several measures are being taken to ward of energy crisis on emergency basis and we hope we will succeed in our tenure to overcome this crisis in a practical way. We are striving to use coal reserves and furnace oil for this purpose. It will definitely be helpful to provide cheap electricity to industrialists as well as domestic consumers, ensuring the quick revival of economic activities.”
When asked about having two portfolios at a time, he smiled for a while and replied that he is trying his best to fulfil his responsibilities. He urged the youngsters to take full benefit of Prime Minister’s Youth Business Loan Scheme and avoid any kind of shortcuts.
Commenting on Customs Today, the minister congratulated the team of the newspaper and said that it is a good addition in the print media.
