Balochistan: ICCI chief calls for date processing plants

Says there is need for innovative trade strategy to enhance value

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ICCI) President Sheikh Amir Waheed urged to set up processing plants in Balochistan for production of dates in accordance with the international standard.

Similar plants should also be set up in other high yielding areas of dates and other fruits in all major parts of the country, he said while talking to APP on Friday. He said this step would be helpful in increasing the production besides attracting international markets.

Waheed assured that the ICCI would continue playing its role effectively for promotion of the country’s trade to balance the increasing gap between import and export. “There is a need for innovative trade strategy to enhance the existing value with other countries.”



The ICCI president said that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan had an important role in this regard and urged the authorities concerned to plan activities inside the country and abroad to boost local trade.

He was of the view that these activities would encourage local businessmen to initiate steps for export of its products in other countries with more focus on meeting the international standards of exporting products.

Such trade activities could also attract foreign countries to start or enhance trade activities with Pakistan.



He suggested the government to depute commercial attaché in foreign countries from private sector who were more professionals and capable to work for the country for promotion of trade activities.

He stressed that there were several sectors which needed the government’s attention like forestry and harvest, while there was also a need to educate local farmers about value addition of their commodities.

It was high time to support the cottage industry in cities like Sialkot and Gujranwala to encourage small businessmen for promotion of their locally made products.



He also urged to increase the tax net for achieving the tax targets by implementing innovative strategies, adding that incentives should be announced for those working in the real estate sector.

The official also called for focus on research and development besides involving private sector in framing future trade policies to have appropriate inputs and collective wisdom.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th, 2017.

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