The minister supports export tax relief, cheaper energy

Federal Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul agreed on Saturday that exporters need regionally competitive energy costs and more tax relief 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 sectoral views on constraints and potential areas for export diversification at the session.

According to a statement, the consultative meeting 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 officials of TDAP and trade bodies of the stakeholders.

In his welcome address, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said that boosting exports is at the heart of Pakistan’s economic stability and development. He appreciated the Department of Commerce’s engagement with the private sector to address the reality on the ground.

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

He said there are opportunities in value added manufacturing, service exports, IT industries and agriculture. He said the summit could help build strategies to strengthen foreign exchange reserves, generate employment and put Pakistan on a path of sustainable development.

FPCCI Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon said the meeting had wide representation from the private sector. Listed textile companies APTMA, APTPMA, PRGMEA and TMA. the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Association (PFVA); tourism operators PATO and TAAP; and PIFFA logistics representatives.

The session concluded with Paul’s remarks following discussions and recommendations by sector.