RAWALPINDI: National Tariff Commission (NTC) Chairman Muhammad Abbas Raza has said that NTC prime job is to protect local industry and take strict measures to end unfair trade.
The NTC has strong reservations about Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China and such worries have been conveyed to government also and it is decided that products which are being produced in Pakistan will not be included in trade agreements with China in future to protect local industry.
He expressed these views while talking with president Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) Syed Asad Mashadi during his visit to chamber. NTC Chief was accompanied by Member NTC Shahjhan Shah, Director NTC Imran Zia and Chief Legal Advisor Ahmed Sheraz. While former Presidents RCCI S.M Naseem, M.S Azeem, member executive committee and other members of the Chamber were also present on the occasion.
Abbas Raza said that NTC acknowledge the efforts of Rawalpindi Chamber towards trade and exports enhancements through Made in Pakistan Expos but it is the need of the hour that branding must be given special attention. Business community should adopt value addition of the products to enhance exports of the country rather relying on traditional methods, he said. He added that NTC impose anti-dumping duties to support local industry but the local businessmen must espouse modern ways to get reasonable share in international trade markets.
Earlier, President RCCI in his welcome note said that Rawalpindi’s main industries are marble, gems & jewelry, pharmaceutical and poultry and textile items industry also exists in the region. He said that prevailing situation of the country is not business friendly but RCCI striving hard to promote local products in international trade markets through Made in Pakistan Expos.
