ISLAMABAD, Oct 21 (APP):Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Wednesday chaired a consultative meeting with leading exporters, industrialists and representatives of the business community to address exporters’ concerns, improving industrial competitiveness and accelerating Pakistan’s export growth.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry joined virtually, while Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, secretaries of concerned ministries and senior officials from relevant departments attended the meeting.
Business representatives participated both virtually and in person, said a news release.
Jam Kamal emphasised the need to diversify Pakistan’s export basket, promote value-added products, explore new international markets and remove structural barriers affecting exporters. He acknowledged challenges arising from rising energy prices, transportation and freight costs, taxation and changing global trade conditions.
The minister said the government was engaging directly with industry stakeholders to identify practical solutions through coordinated efforts involving relevant ministries and regulatory authorities.
Bilal Azhar actively facilitated the discussions, inviting representatives from different export sectors to present their concerns and encouraging officials to respond to specific issues.
He stressed the importance of documenting exporters’ problems, obtaining departmental responses and developing actionable recommendations rather than limiting the exercise to general discussions.
During the meeting, business representatives appreciated the EXIM Bank scheme for exporters, describing it as a positive initiative to improve access to export financing and support businesses seeking to expand internationally.
Industry representatives highlighted concerns regarding energy costs, the captive power gas levy, provincial infrastructure levies and rising production expenses. Petroleum Division officials provided clarifications on the gas levy mechanism.
Exporters also discussed international shipping delays, port facilitation, tax refunds and banking regulations, proposing greater flexibility in payment settlement periods due to disruptions in global logistics.
Participants recommended studying markets where Bangladesh and India enjoy preferential trade advantages and exploring improved bilateral trade arrangements to strengthen Pakistan’s export competitiveness.
Representatives of the meat and livestock sector highlighted challenges relating to foot-and-mouth disease, international sanitary requirements, border restrictions and access to Gulf markets.
Responding, Jam Kamal informed participants that Prime Minister was personally taking a keen interest in livestock development, including disease control, investment, improved breeding and value-added exports. The meeting was also informed of plans for a dedicated, private-sector-led livestock board.
Mineral exporters raised concerns regarding restrictions on mining explosives and withholding taxes, while Qaiser Saleem Shabbir (CEO), representing the surgical instruments sector, emphasised the need for technological advancement, skilled human resources, industrial investment and modernisation to enhance Pakistan’s export competitiveness.
FBR officials briefed participants on measures to improve tax refund processing and digital invoicing, while exporters highlighted difficulties relating to outstanding refunds, business visas and international compliance requirements.
Concluding the meeting, Jam Kamal said that the Ministry of Commerce would consolidate sector-specific and cross-cutting issues and seek responses from concerned ministries to develop practical recommendations for the Prime Minister’s consideration.
Bilal Azhar also emphasised that the issues raised by exporters would be compiled systematically and reviewed with the relevant departments during the next consultation.
The minister thanked business leaders and government officials for their constructive participation.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustained public-private engagement, export diversification, industrial growth and strengthening Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
