ISLAMABAD, Oct 22 (APP):Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan on Thursday reviewed issues hampering Pakistan’s exports and discussed practical measures to improve competitiveness, reduce the cost of doing business and expand access to international markets.
He chaired a follow-up consultative meeting with leading exporters and senior government officials to assess progress on issues raised during an earlier meeting and identify solutions requiring policy intervention, said a news release.
Minister of State for Finance and Revenue, Bilal Azhar Kayani, senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce and representatives of relevant ministries and departments attended the meeting, while exporters participated both in person and virtually.
At the outset, a consolidated presentation was made on concerns raised by exporters and responses provided by relevant government departments. The ensuing discussion focused on outstanding issues related to energy costs, taxation, financing constraints, regulatory procedures and international market access.
Jam Kamal Khan said the government was pursuing improved access to international markets through sustained diplomatic and trade engagements. Pakistan was also reviewing existing trade arrangements and seeking enhanced preferential access with major trading partners, including China, South Korea, Türkiye, Japan and Vietnam.
Regarding China, he said Pakistan had been advocating greater tariff concessions in line with preferential treatment available to other countries. Discussions on preferential trade arrangements with South Korea were also progressing, while engagement with other trading partners continued through diplomatic missions, trade offices and bilateral consultations.
On market access for Pakistani tyre exports to Türkiye, officials informed the meeting that certain tyre categories already benefited from concessions under the bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement. Exporters were encouraged to submit specific product details and HS codes to enable the Ministry to pursue outstanding issues with Turkish counterparts.
The meeting also reviewed industrial energy costs, particularly the gas levy and its implications for export competitiveness. Participants were informed that the Ministry of Finance had constituted a committee comprising relevant government and industry representatives to review the levy policy and its calculation formula and recommend possible improvements.
The Punjab infrastructure cess was also discussed, with exporters highlighting concerns regarding its application, collection mechanism and additional costs. The meeting emphasized the need for clarity regarding the legal framework, exemptions and coordination with relevant provincial authorities.
On taxation, participants discussed proposals to rationalize export-related eligibility thresholds, explore proportionate super tax relief linked to export-derived income and address concerns regarding additional sales tax and refund arrangements for non-traditional exporters. Relevant proposals would be examined in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and FBR.
The Export Facilitation Scheme was reviewed, particularly procedural requirements, eligibility criteria and possible improvements to facilitate exporters. Participants also proposed enhancing incentives under the export growth scheme to encourage businesses to increase their international sales.
Exporters highlighted certification charges and repeated documentation amendment fees imposed by the Department of Plant Protection. The meeting emphasized rationalizing regulatory charges to ensure institutional sustainability without placing unnecessary financial burdens on exporters. The Ministry of Commerce was already examining the matter.
Business visa restrictions, foreign travel advisories and associated insurance costs also came under discussion. Participants were informed that the relevant authorities were pursuing these issues through diplomatic channels, while options to expedite visa processing for verified exporters and business representatives were being explored.
The minister underscored the potential for expanding livestock and dairy exports, directing officials to coordinate new proposals with ongoing government initiatives and consultations involving relevant ministries and private-sector stakeholders. Consolidated recommendations would be prepared to identify additional opportunities for sectoral development.
Participants also discussed the importance of maintaining Pakistan’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status through continued compliance with international commitments and sustained engagement with European partners to safeguard preferential market access.
The minister stressed that consultations must lead to practical outcomes through effective coordination among federal ministries, provincial governments, regulatory authorities and leading exporters. He emphasized that even relatively small regulatory costs and procedural difficulties could collectively affect exporters’ competitiveness and therefore required attention.
Leading exporters were requested to submit concise written recommendations identifying specific issues, proposed solutions and required government interventions. Relevant ministries and departments were asked to provide updated positions and timelines for resolving outstanding matters.
The meeting concluded with an understanding that the Ministry of Commerce would consolidate the recommendations into a comprehensive presentation for consideration by the Prime Minister during an anticipated high-level meeting.
Jam Kamal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining continuous engagement with leading exporters, reducing the cost of doing business, expanding international market access and strengthening Pakistan’s export-oriented economy.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
