PM Imran directs authorities to finalise tariff policy

Trade secretary says exports could not be increased until govt removed import duties

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed relevant authorities to finalise the national tariff policy within a week after consultation with all stakeholders, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Trade and Textile was told on Tuesday.

Trade Secretary Sardar Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera briefed the committee on ‘Look Africa’ policy.

He said Pakistan will export a new spectrum of goods to African countries in place of conventional goods. “Apart from Africa, we have deployed our business representatives in six other regions,” he said.

Sukhera said dispute of outstanding payments with Russian traders has been resolved after which Pakistan will boost business activities with Russia.

“I will suggest Prime Minister Imran Khan ensure that commercial counselors undergo a uniform test so that conflicts pertaining to deployment in different groups could be overcome,” he said.

The secretary, however, noted that Pakistani products could not compete in the international market if import duties were not withdrawn. “Products of Pakistan will not become competitive as long as duties are imposed on the import of raw materials.”

The addition secretary for trade in his briefing to the committee said two reviews of Pakistan’s GSP Plus scheme had been made so far while the next review would take place in 2020.

“Pakistan has shown progress in implementation of 27 conventions while a report on all conventions has been submitted. Our performance report is being shared with the commission,” he said.

MNA Naveed Qamar, the chairman of the committee, said the European Union had expressed reservations over the situation of trade unions and human rights in Pakistan.

The trade secretary said Pakistan had witnessed improvements with regards to the implementation of labour laws.  Additional secretary also added that there were no reports of violations in labour departments which could cause trouble for Pakistan.

“We present reports only after taking the provincial governments on board,” he said.

The officials told the committee that Pakistan attained the GSP Plus status in 2014 after which the country's exports to European countries increased to $9 billion from the previous $6 billion.

Due to the absence of MNA Fakhar Imam, the committee deferred the approval of three bills.  Meanwhile, it summoned the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Shabbar Zaidi to brief it on problems faced by the business community.