Islamabad; December 30, 2016: The Standing Committee on Commerce has asked the M/o Commerce to address the declining trend in exports of the country especially exports of textile products to the international markets. The Committee asked the M/o Commerce to explore international markets for Pakistani products through its representatives posted in Pakistani mission abroad. The Committee met under the chairmanship of Mr. Siraj Muhammad Khan, MNA in Islamabad, this morning.

           The Committee while expressing its concern over the declining trend in exports to foreign countries; said that necessary policies were imperative for export promotion. The Committee also stressed the need for value addition in the raw products for export to the international markets to capitalize the massive potential in the country. The Committee also expressed its concern on decrease in cotton production in the country which had led to the import of cotton from foreign markets. The Committee decided to get a briefing from M/o Textile and APTMA in its next meeting. The Committee observed that exports encouraging policies of the government would help capitalize the GSP+ status granted by European Union to Pakistan.

           The Secretary, M/o Commerce apprised the Committee that decrease in exports owe to multiple factors, however, government had initiated various short and long term measures for incentivizing manufacturing and export sectors. He said that exports during the current year have witnessed substantial increase. He was confident that the situation would further improve in coming years. He informed that cotton production was due to decrease of cotton area and non-availability of pest-resistant seed in the country.

 The Committee after briefing by the M/o Commerce and discussion thereupon, approved the Marine Insurance Bill, 2016 referred to the Standing Committee by the House. The Committee viewed that Bill, an encouraging step for promotion of marine insurance sector in Pakistan. The Committee deferred briefing on issues and concerns of APTMA regarding exports and import policies for its next meeting due to inability of Chairman APTMA to attend the meeting.

           The Meeting was attended by MNAs; Ch. Asad-ur-Rehman, Mian Muhammad Rasheed, Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb, Ms. Mussarat Ahmad Zeb, Ms. Sajida Begum, Dr. Fouzia Hameed, Secretary M/o Commerce and Representatives of concerned departments.