Govt pushes China for tariff concessions

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan is seeking improved preferential access with major trading partners, including China, South Korea, Türkiye, Japan and Vietnam, and has been advocating greater tariff concessions from Beijing in line with the treatment extended to other countries, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan told a consultative meeting with exporters on Thursday.

He said discussions on preferential trade arrangements with South Korea were progressing, while engagement with other partners continued through diplomatic missions and bilateral consultations.

The meeting reviewed industrial energy costs, particularly the gas levy, and was told the Ministry of Finance had constituted a committee with government and industry representatives to review the levy policy and calculation formula.

Exporters raised the Punjab infrastructure cess, certification charges and repeated documentation amendment fees at the Department of Plant Protection, and proposed proportionate super tax relief linked to export-derived income.

The meeting reviewed the Export Facilitation Scheme's procedural requirements and eligibility criteria, and discussed business visa restrictions and insurance costs.