Secretary backs export tax relief, cheaper energy

FPCCI consultative session in Karachi draws textile, agro, tourism and logistics bodies

KARACHI:

Federal Secretary for Commerce Jawad Paul on Saturday agreed that exporters need regionally competitive energy costs and more facilitative taxation measures, as government officials and trade bodies reviewed export performance in Karachi.

The statement said the meeting aimed to formulate strategies to boost Pakistan's exports and strengthen the national economy, with participants sharing sector-wise views on constraints and potential areas for export diversification in the session.

According to a statement, the consultative session was hosted by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) at Federation House and chaired by Paul. The meeting was attended by Secretary Industries and Production Saif Anjum, senior TDAP officials and stakeholder trade bodies.

In his welcome address, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said export enhancement lay at the heart of Pakistan's economic stability and growth. He appreciated the Ministry of Commerce's engagement with the private sector to address on-the-ground realities.

Sheikh said sustainable export growth required close coordination between policymakers and the business community. He said exporters were resilient and innovative, but faced high costs of doing business, energy constraints, access to finance issues, market diversification hurdles and compliance with international standards.

He said there were opportunities in value-added manufacturing, services exports, IT and agro-based industries. He said the session could help build strategies to strengthen foreign exchange reserves, create employment and place Pakistan on a sustainable growth trajectory.

Senior Vice President FPCCI Saquib Fayyaz Magoon said the session had broad private sector representation. He listed textiles bodies APTMA, APTPMA, PRGMEA and TMA; the Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables Association (PFVA); tourism bodies PATO and TAAP; and logistics representatives of PIFFA.

The session concluded with remarks by Paul after sector-wise discussions and recommendations.