Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, the Minister for Commerce chaired a meeting here at the Ministry of Commerce to review the performance of the Ministry.

The Minister discussed in detail the short term measures that could reduce the imports and steps that could make the exports more competitive.

Mr. Younus Dhaga, Secretary Commerce briefed the Minister on the current level of exports and imports with their percentage composition. The secretary also discussed in detail the reasons for declining exports and what short term measures and long term policy interventions are required to improve the situation in Pakistan’s favour. 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 in the 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 need a well thought out solution.

The Minister appreciated the efforts of the Ministry in highlighting important issues and assured of her utmost co-operation on all matters of immediate concern.