Commerce adviser stresses focus on regional trade

The government is successfully completing its agenda of economic stability, however the country must focus on regional trade which is quite low, said Adviser to Prime Minster on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood.

Speaking during a meeting with exporters at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Saturday, he pointed out that regional trade between countries of the European Union was around 90%.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Uzbekistan was successful and 71 agreements were signed between the two countries,” he said. “Uzbekistan will also prove to be a gateway for Pakistan to other Central Asian countries.”

Dawood announced signing of a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Uzbekistan on September 30, 2021.

The adviser highlighted that the central Asian country enjoyed excellent relations with rest of the regional nations.

He revealed that single country exhibition will be held in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) in a few days with an aim to promote a wide range of export goods and he urged Sialkot exporters to participate and explore opportunities.

The government boosted competitiveness of export products in federal budget 2021-22 by rationalising tariff lines of over 4,000 inputs, he said.

Dawood added that prime minister will meet businessmen after Eidul Azha to set export targets for next financial year.

The adviser reassured full support to the businessmen for swift resolution of their issues. He stressed that export sector would be facilitated to the maximum.

“Economic and industrial boost are top priorities for the government and we are taking the business community into confidence for this purpose,” he said.

Talking about Sialkot exporters, he said that they were playing a vital role in strengthening the national economy.

He was of the view that government’s policies would be helpful for establishment of strong industrial base of the country which was vital to boost exports. He added that all impediments in way of exports would be removed.

“The government is fully aware of the problems faced by the business community and it is making sincere efforts for their early solution,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2021.

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