The Federal Minister for Commerce Muhammad Pervaiz Malik, on Saturday said that including an active participation of the private sector and all the leading exporters, all possible efforts will be made to achieve the export target that is set of 35billion dollar by 2018.
The minister made the statement while talking to the Vice President SAARC Chamber, Chairman United Business Group (UBG) Iftikhar Ali Malik, in Lahore. Pervaiz Malik said that the ministry will focus on enhancing the cooperation with Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce, its affiliated chambers and trade associations, to address traders’ problems.
Iftikhar Ali Malik, welcoming the appointment of Federal Minister for Commerce Pervaiz Malik, said he will play a critical role in bringing reforms for boosting trade, to turn the country’s exports around and attract new investment through improving business viability in the country.
He assured the Minister of full cooperation on behalf of the business community in executing all positive steps of the government for promoting trade. “The export target can only be achieved if exporters are refunded Rs 300 billion. These deposits were made by Pakistani exporters to ensure that they repatriate to Pakistan all their export earnings,” he added.
“A rise in exports will help the government boost its revenues and invest in the development of the country,” adding he said, unfortunately, Pakistan”s exports are stagnant whereas other regional countries have moved far ahead.
These mega projects, coupled with the development of infrastructure in the form of motorways and up-gradation of Gwadar port, would open new avenues of economic activities in the country, he added.
Pervaiz Malik said that it would be his endeavor to improve businesses viability and profitability which would certainly lead to growth in exports and investment. He said that all stakeholders will be taken into confidence prior to finalization of the trade policy in future and viable suggestions and proposals of the business community will also be incorporated.
Source: APP
