National Trade Policy 2018-23 to be introduced by June

Lahore : The next trade policy will be formulated for five years with the consultation of all stakeholders and it will be implemented before June 2018.

Secretary Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Inam Ullah Dharejo told the media at the consultative session in perspective of Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) held at a local hotel, here on Thursday.

He said that talks with Turkey and Thailand on free trade agreement, amendment to Pakistan-China free trade agreement, Pakistan and Indonesia trade agreement would be focused in the policy.

He said that GSP Plus scheme would be helpful in the access of the Pakistani products to international markets.

The secretary said that the ministry was working on a group of 16 countries where Pakistani products could be exported.

Earlier, in his address to the session, he said that the government was endeavouring to formulate a medium-term trade policy framework for enhancing exports on a sustainable basis by incorporating suggestions of the business community in Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) 2018-23.

“The concept of holding exercise on the initiative of Secretary Commerce Yonas Dagha, on consultative sessions across the country was to ascertain the opinion of trade bodies for bringing radical changes in the new trade policy,”the secretary said.

He hoped that the substantial measures would help in consolidating the growth of the export sector of the country.

While dilating on the number of measures taken by the government to enhance and diversify exports, the secretary apprised the business community about introduction of Prime Ministers Export Enhancement Package of Rs 180 billion to arrest declining exports with provision of an additional 2% duty drawback for the non-traditional markets.

He said that successful organisation of 10th edition of Expo Pakistan where more than 800 foreign buyers/ importers from 70 countries visited where Pakistan’s futuristic image “Emerging Pakistan” was portrayed.

Organising “Look Africa” conference to encourage exports to non-traditional markets is also a step towards progress, he added.

Earlier, Director General Trade Policy, Ministry of Commerce Nauman Aslam made the introductory presentation.

Mian Riaz Ahmed, Director General TDAP, Lahore along with other senior officers coordinated the activity.

On the occasion, President Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malik Tahir Javaid and Vice President FPCCI also addressed the house.

Representatives of LCCI, Women Chamber of Lahore and Multan Division, Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry,FPCCI Lahore, PAAPAM, Pakistan Tanners Association, APTMA,Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry,Rice Exporter Association, Pakistan Ethanol Manufacturers Association and Pakistan Poultry Association respectively attended the session.

The activity spanned over two technical sessions.

The participants thanked the government for providing them the opportunity for expressing their views and concerns regarding the formulation of trade policy which aimed at taking the stakeholders inputs to ensure maximum participation in the policy making process.