Islamabad —Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has
formally presented its proposals in writing to the government for
improving the Trade Policy 2009-10. Highlighting the salient
features of these proposals, Mian Shaukat Masud, President, ICC!
said Government must suspend all provincial taxes and levies to give
some breathing space to export-based industries which will help them
come out of the crisis and promote exports. Government must announce
separate power and gas tariffs for export-oriented industries along
with duty-free import of machinery and accessories. Priorities
should be set for boosting regional trade to penetrate new markets
with new products for successful economic and trade coop-eration.
Free trade agreements should be signed with regional countries
involving Chambers and Trade Associations in the consultative
meetings. Normally private sector is involved at the end, when
almost every thing is finalised by the government. Also a very short
time is given to the private sector to deliberate on agreements,
which results low input from the business community.
ICCI President said Commercial Counselors should be appointed on
merit having relevant professional education, knowledge and
background to act as Sales Agents and they should be given targets
to promote trade. Commercial Counselors should frequently hold
meetings with foreign Chambers/associations to project Pakistan’s
trade and export potential in various sectors. Our commercial
sections abroad should prepare market analysis reports identifying
export opportunities for Pakistan in potential areas and share this
information with Chambers and other stakeholders to enhance exports.
Pakistan should open more trade corridors in untapped markets of
Central Asian States, developing smooth communication links with
these countries and business community should be facilitated and
sup-ported to enhance trade with these countries. Private sector
should be encouraged for promoting import-substitute industry to
avoid dependence on imports. Wheat export needs restriction as its
unbridled ex-port was creating shortage and price hike in domestic
market.
