Business

Govt to revisit free trade deals

'We have to revisit the free trade agreement (FTA) with different countries'

APP September 06, 2018

Dawood emphasised that the government would give priority to the promotion of export-led growth by enhancing shipments and reducing dependence on imports. PHOTO:FILE

ISLAMABAD: The government would revisit existing and proposed trade agreements with different countries in order to ensure an enabling environment for the promotion of Pakistan’s trade with international market, said Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Textile, Industries and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood.

“We have to revisit the free trade agreement (FTA) with different countries including those being negotiated with Thailand and Turkey,” the adviser said while talking to APP on Wednesday.

Pakistan’s cost of trading across border highest in region

He said the government was determined to encourage regional trade and export-led growth of the economy. Dawood emphasised that the government would give priority to the promotion of export-led growth by enhancing shipments and reducing dependence on imports, adding it had identified many sectors that would give a boost to exports from the country.

Value addition necessary to boost trade

Replying to a question, Dawood said agricultural goods export alone would not enhance the country’s overall shipments, highlighting the importance of switching to value addition.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2018.

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