Minister for Finance and Commerce, Dr Shamshad Akhtar has sought a detailed presentation on non-essential imports from the Commerce Division next week. She gave these directions to the ministry while chairing a meeting held at the Ministry of Commerce to review the performance of the ministry. She discussed in detail the short-term measures that could reduce imports and steps that could make exports more competitive.
Commerce Secretary Younus Dagha briefed the minister on the current level of exports and imports with their percentage composition. The secretary also discussed in detail the reasons behind declining exports and what short-term measures and long-term policy interventions are required to improve the situation. He also shared an initial draft on "Trade Related Investment Policy Framework" with the minister.
The minister appreciated the briefing given by the Ministry of Commerce. She directed the Ministry of Commerce to give a detailed briefing next week on the non-essential imports of the country. The minister directed to prepare a detailed paper on the subjects by Monday. She also directed the ministry to bring in a detailed input on the structural issues faced by the Ministry of Commerce.
Talking about the impact of the fiscal policy on trade and investment decisions, the minister said, "We need to design a fiscal policy that facilitates the business. We would like to do the spade work for the upcoming governments so that the country could benefit in future." The officials of the ministry committed to provide a detailed input on the issue lingering on for a long time that needs a well thought-out solution. The minister appreciated the efforts of the ministry in highlighting important issues and assured of her utmost cooperation on all matters of immediate concern.
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