Dawood discusses tariff rationalisation

Pakistan and the World Bank on Wednesday discussed mutual cooperation in tariff rationalisation, ease of doing business reforms and matters regarding e-commerce activities.

Newly appointed World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine called on Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood to discuss matters pertaining to mutual cooperation. During the meeting, the adviser shared an overview of different reforms and activities with the World Bank country director. Shedding light on tariff rationalisation, Dawood said the government had already revised tariffs on raw material and intermediaries and intended to incorporate the remaining sectors in a phased manner over the next three years.

The adviser added that the government was laying far greater emphasis on promoting “Made in Pakistan” and export-led growth by focusing on product and geographical diversification.

Discussing the significance of services industry, Dawood underscored that Pakistan had a tremendous untapped potential for exports of services, particularly in the IT sector.

Both the officials talked about the e-commerce policy of the government where experience of the World Bank could be helpful in knowledge management as well as enabling small and medium enterprises to introduce e-commerce platforms for enhanced market outreach.

The adviser appreciated the technical support provided by the World Bank to the Board of Investment for ease of doing business and other business climate reforms.

He stressed that Pakistan would continue to follow the reform goals with the same momentum.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8^th, 2020.

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