SIALKOT, December 19 2024: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, accompanied by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Finance Minister Senator Aurangzeb, visited the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) to discuss challenges and opportunities in Pakistan’s export sector.
The visit underscored the government’s commitment to addressing exporters’ concerns and fostering growth in the sector.
Key Demands from the Sialkot Chamber
The SCCI acknowledged the government’s initiatives, such as the reduction in the policy rate and the Duty Drawback of Local Taxes and Levies (DLTL), but called for an extension of DLTL policies for another five years.
The chamber emphasized Sialkot’s pivotal role in Pakistan’s exports but raised concerns over limited access to Export Development Fund (EDF) resources. Their demands included:
- Approval of bulletproof vehicles for foreign delegations.
- EDF support for a Combined Effluent Treatment Plant and solar energy projects in Sialkot’s tannery zone.
- Establishing a Business Facilitation Center with a dedicated Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) desk in Sialkot.
- Eliminating the provincial infrastructure cess, an issue already raised by the Commerce Minister.
- Resolving challenges in Export Processing Zones (EPZ) and reinstating the Fixed Tax Regime (FTR).
Government’s Assurance
Minister Jam Kamal Khan assured the business community that their concerns would be addressed. He expressed gratitude to the Defence Minister for facilitating the visit, enabling direct interaction with exporters.
“The entire cabinet, from the Prime Minister to the Finance Minister, is aligned on the importance of export growth. While methods may vary, we are committed to addressing the needs of the business community,” he said.
He pledged structural reforms in the EDF framework, with recommendations to be submitted to the Prime Minister. Initiatives like airport scanners, tannery projects, and business facilitation centers were highlighted as priorities.
Promoting Women-Led Businesses
The President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce requested larger expo center venues, representation on the EDF board, and the creation of a research cell. She also proposed transitioning from “women-owned” to “women-led” business benefits and introducing women-specific quotas in public procurement. The Commerce Minister assured his personal attention to these proposals.
Merit-Based Appointments and Certification Support
Jam Kamal Khan emphasized that Trade and Investment Officer (TIO) appointments were now based on merit and monitored through quarterly KPIs.
He also encouraged exporters to collaborate with national accreditation bodies to streamline compliance and certification processes while reducing costs.
Economic Stability and Collaboration
Finance Minister Senator Aurangzeb highlighted the government’s recent steps to stabilize the economy, while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif praised the Commerce Minister’s engagement with exporters, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to boost economic growth.
Strengthening Export Potential
Jam Kamal Khan announced plans for a state-of-the-art expo center in Sialkot with a dedicated Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) office and a Ministry of Commerce facilitation desk.
He also emphasized the importance of sector-specific export councils, whose recommendations would be presented to the National Export Development Board (NEDB), chaired by the Prime Minister.
The visit concluded with a Q&A session addressing issues such as tax regimes, EDF surcharges, and regional competitiveness. The Minister invited detailed written proposals on unresolved matters, ensuring the government’s commitment to their resolution.
A Commitment to Export Growth
By directly engaging with exporters and addressing their concerns, the government reaffirmed its resolve to enhance Pakistan’s export performance and strengthen its position in the global market.
