'Exporters should be appointed as trade officers'

FAISALABAD: The allocation of 20% quota for the appointment of overseas Pakistanis as trade officers in Pakistani missions abroad is a positive sign, which will lift exports, but competent exporters could also be placed as honorary trade counsellors and trade officers in untapped international markets.

The suggestion was made by Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) Acting President Mian Tanveer Ahmed, who was of the view that such a move would assist Pakistan in enhancing exports and bridging the widening trade gap.

Recalling that the FCCI had also earlier demanded the appointment of businessmen as honorary trade counsellors and officers, he lamented that the request was ignored, which resulted in a steep decline in the country’s exports. “Moreover, Pakistan failed to penetrate non-traditional markets due to financial constraints,” a statement quoted Ahmed as saying.

He claimed that favourite people were generally appointed as trade officers, who failed to play their due role in enhancing exports of Pakistan. Emphasising that businessmen held extensive experience of dealing with their foreign counterparts, Ahmed said, “Since they will work on an honorary basis, they will not become a burden on the national exchequer.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 10^th, 2019.

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