Pakistan exporters urge trade arrangements to counter India, Bangladesh

Pakistan's exporters have called on the government to develop improved trade arrangements to counter competition from neighboring countries India and Bangladesh, as shifting global trade rules increase pressure on the nation's export competitiveness. This emerged during a high-level meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and leading exporters, industrialists, and business representatives at the Ministry of Commerce.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry participated virtually, alongside Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani, Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, responsible for commerce and industries issues, secretaries from relevant departments, and senior officials. Exporters discussed issues such as international shipping delays, port facilitation, tax refunds, and banking regulations, suggesting greater flexibility in payment settlement periods due to global logistics disruptions.

They also recommended studying markets where Bangladesh and India enjoy preferential trade advantages and exploring bilateral trade arrangements to boost Pakistan's export competitiveness. Business representatives commended the EXIM Bank scheme for exporters, deeming it a positive step towards providing better access to export financing and supporting businesses seeking international expansion.

Concerns were raised regarding energy costs, the captive power gas levy, provincial infrastructure levies, and increasing production expenses. Officials from the Petroleum Division offered clarifications on the gas levy mechanism. The meat and livestock sector expressed challenges related to foot-and-mouth disease, international sanitary standards, border restrictions, and access to Gulf markets.

In response, Jam Kamal Khan stated that the prime minister was personally interested in livestock development, focusing on disease control, investment, improved breeding, and value-added exports. The meeting also received updates on plans for a private-sector-led livestock board. Mineral exporters expressed concerns over restrictions on mining explosives and withholding taxes, while Qaiser Saleem Shabbir of the surgical instruments sector emphasized the need for technological advancements, skilled human resources, industrial investment, and modernisation to enhance Pakistan's export competitiveness.

Officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) briefed participants on measures to expedite tax refund processing and digital invoicing. Exporters highlighted difficulties concerning outstanding refunds, business visas, and international compliance requirements. The meeting concluded with Jam Kamal Khan stating that the Ministry of Commerce would compile sector-specific and cross-cutting issues, seeking responses from relevant ministries to develop practical recommendations for the prime minister's consideration.