Meeting reviews compliance with trade obligations

Musadik Malik underscores necessity of modern, efficient tariff regime

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik has stressed the necessity of a modern and efficient tariff regime to support economic stability, protect domestic industries and ensure compliance with international trade commitments.

He chaired the fifth meeting of the Prime Minister's Committee for the Modernisation of the National Tariff Commission (NTC). The committee reviewed the core objectives, expertise and mandate of the NTC, which included responsibilities under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) trade remedy laws, dispute settlement mechanisms, tariff rationalisation and broader trade policy matters.

Discussions also focused on proposed reforms within the NTC, particularly the need to strengthen institutional capacity through enhanced technical expertise and improved human resources development.

Discussions regarding expansion in the NTC's financial and administrative autonomy to enable more effective, timely decision-making also took place. Furthermore, deliberations were held on the existing limitations faced by the commission, including constraints on implementing countervailing measures and applying safeguard instruments necessary to protect national products.

The committee acknowledged the need to address procedural and structural barriers that hinder the commission's ability to respond to unfair trade practices.

Also present in the meeting were Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan, members of the NTC and senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce.