MCCI welcomes government decision to approve STPF

President Multan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI), Shahid Naseem Khokhar has hailed the decision of Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to introduce an amended Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) under which rupees35 billion would be given to the ministry of commerce in three years to implement the framework.
In a statement, MCCI chief said that it is a good augury that Prime Minister has cleared all amendments to STPF 2009-10, in principle, proposed by the commerce ministry. The move has removed shortcomings and allowed the ministry to submit these changes to the Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet for final approval.
Khokhar urged the Prime Minister to ask the ministry of finance to forthwith release at-least one third of the allocated amount so that commerce ministry could fulfil its commitment made to exporters. He said that finance has released only rupees one billion of the allocated amount, which is too meagre to meet the desired results.
The Prime Minister has stressed upon the exporters to benefit from the trade agreement signed with Afghanistan, particularly utilisation of 13 trade routes leading to Central Asian Republics. He asked the ministry of commerce to submit concrete proposals to ensure implementation of the agreement.
While approving the policy thrust for promotion of exports, Gilani directed that value-added products of agricultural sector should be encouraged. This would not only help in increasing exports but also substantially support the agriculture sector, boosting incomes of farmers and growers, he observed.
Responding to the directions, the ministry of commerce planned to constitute Federal Export Development and Promotion Board (FEDPB) and organise its first meeting in March, over which the PM would personally preside. It also decided to invite leading exporters of various sectors Pakistan to collect proposals and views to further boost exports. The ministry will make a presentation to the federal cabinet on February 9 regarding the master plan for export promotion, envisaged for declaring 2011 as 'year of exports'.