ISLAMABAD: Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim said on Thursday that Ministry of Commerce in consultation with all stakeholders has prepared a comprehensive road map regarding Trade policy framework to propel the exports of country with identifying new markets for our products.
He stated this while addressing a crowded press conference here at a local hotel this afternoon. Secretary Commerce Zafar Mehmood and other senior officers of the Ministry were also present on the occasion. He said that on February 2 (Wednesday), a meeting with Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani was held, in which the Ministry of Commerce explained its performance.
He said that the government has declared year 2011 as the year of exports with main focus on export promotion for the economic development of the country. The Minister for Commerce said that the road map for the trade promotion would be presented to the Cabinet on February 9, for approval.
He said that the Prime Minister was informed yesterday that exports during the first 6 months of current financial year have registered a growth of 20 per cent and textile exports witnessed a growth of 25 percent. The Minister expressed the hope that exports would grow by 10 percent during the current financial year. He also congratulated the exporters for this achievement.
Makhdoom Amin Fahim announced that after a long period of time Pakistan has been able to export its surplus wheat. He said that Ministry of Commerce was also making efforts for greater market access to Pakistani products in the different international markets.He said that European Union would approve a package on 75 items for Pakistani products within a month.
Amin Fahim said that China has agreed on the tariff line concession on 286 items for Pakistani exporters.He also informed that American Congress is likely to approve the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) bill this year. He added that federal and provincial government would join hand in boosting country’s exports for the benefit of the country.
Regarding Pak-Afghan Transit Trade, he said it would be reopened on February 15. He added that under the agreement Afghanistan has allowed Pakistan 13 routes via Afghanistan to Central Asian Republics. He said this is a great advantage for Pakistan to reach Central Asian markets and onward.
The Minister said under the exports road map, Pakistan would promote regional trade with Iran and China will be given the main focus for Pakistani exports. He said that Prime Minister has approved 17 amendments in the trade policy orders and it would also be included in the agenda of the next Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet meeting for further approval.
Replying to a question regarding the import of five years old cars of less than 1300 CC, the Minister expressed the hope that this decision of the government would help reduce the prices of the cars in the country. He said that SRO regarding the government decision would be issued shortly.
The minister said the government announced Rs.27 billion for the implementation of 3-year trade policy, but not a single penny was released in this regard. He said that as a result the liabilities to be paid to exporters have been accumulated.He however, expressed the hope that all outstanding liabilities of the exporters would be cleared this year (2011).
The Minister reiterated that they have told Afghanistan that unless India does not resolve the bilateral issues with Pakistan including the core issue of Kashmir, Pakistan cannot give landroute to Afghanistan for its products via Wagah border.
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