Alvi stresses need for enhancing exports

Pakistan must increase export of its indigenous resources and products and also strive for value addition, said President Dr Arif Alvi.

Speaking to the business community at the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP) on Monday, he pointed out that employers were responsible to ensure better working conditions and wellbeing of workers in line with the international occupational safety and health standards.

Workers should also be able to avail benefits under various worker welfare schemes, he said.

“Double-digit growth in large-scale manufacturing, encouraging rise in exports, uptick in foreign direct investment, reduction in non-essential imports and emphasis on new sectors such as tourism and hospitality speak volumes about government’s efforts aimed at improving the economic environment,” he said.

He pointed out that the government had initiated a process to make its activities more transparent, hassle-free and highly productive to minimise lethargy and corruption. “These actions of the government have started bearing fruit and industrial groups and business community have lauded them,” he said.

“Pakistan should develop all sectors on a priority basis,” the president said. “Strong and targeted efforts are essential to enhance exports because Pakistan needs a substantial inflow of dollars and euros to fuel economic growth.”

He told the EFP to take the lead in motivating the private sector to establish additional industries and undertake projects in order to maximise employment, foreign exchange earnings and adherence to global standards.

He advised the EFP Economic Council to develop linkages and synergies with the countries involved in mining and export of minerals.

“EFP should also take maximum advantage of technological advancements and best mining processes while advocating investment in value addition in the mining sector,” he said. “It is of utmost importance that minerals are not wasted due to obsolete mining processes and equipment.”

On the occasion, EFP President Ismail Suttar stated that the federation focused on industrial relations and human resources development. The body was involved in labour legislation and worker welfare whereas the EFP Economic Council had been established to widen the scope of the federation, he said.

“The council is involved in research projects such as the Look Africa policy, Brexit, fisheries’ exports, GSP Plus status and China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 16^th, 2021.

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