Trade policy: Government needs to play its role

KARACHI:

Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) Standing Committee on Horticulture and Agriculture Produce Chairman Ahmad Jawad said that a delay in the announcement of trade policy is hurting exports.

“It is the private sector’s domain to increase exports but the responsibility of the government to provide exporters with friendly policies to become competitive in the international markets,” said Jawad. “Pakistan has vast natural resources, rich agriculture potential, shale gas and oil reserves but most of it is untapped as yet.

“The focus of government and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) on agriculture and horticulture alone can earn Pakistan $7 billion through exports in next few years.”

Mainstay of Pakistan’s economy, agriculture accounts 25% of GDP, 60% of export earnings and 48% of employment. Despite being rich in agriculture, National Nutrition Survey 2011 reported 62% of Pakistan’s population facing food insecurity. “Ministry of National Food Security and Research plays a limited role and the food security bill is not approved yet.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2015.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.