Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan chaired a consultative meeting with exporters, industrialists, and business representatives at the Ministry of Commerce on 21 October. Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, joined the session virtually while Bilal Azhar Kayani, Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, and various ministry secretaries attended in person.
Kamal urged participants to diversify Pakistan’s export basket and promote value-added products to improve trade outcomes. The minister acknowledged that exporters face significant hurdles from rising energy prices, transportation and freight costs, taxation, and shifting global trade conditions.
Industry representatives expressed concerns over production expenses, provincial infrastructure levies, the captive power gas levy, and high energy costs. Officials from the Petroleum Division provided clarifications regarding the mechanism of the gas levy during the discussions.
Exporters requested more flexibility in payment settlement periods to manage disruptions in global logistics. Participants suggested studying markets where India and Bangladesh currently benefit from preferential trade advantages.
Representatives from the meat and livestock sector highlighted issues including international sanitary requirements, border restrictions, foot-and-mouth disease, and limited access to Gulf markets. Kamal stated that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is personally taking a keen interest in livestock development.
The meeting included information on plans for a private-sector-led livestock board. Mineral exporters raised issues concerning withholding taxes and restrictions on mining explosives.
Qaiser Saleem Shabbir, CEO, emphasised the necessity of modernisation, industrial investment, skilled human resources, and technological advancement. Federal Bureau of Revenue officials briefed the group on digital invoicing and measures to improve the processing of tax refunds.
Business representatives appreciated the EXIM Bank scheme for exporters. Kamal said the Ministry of Commerce would consolidate sector-specific and cross-cutting issues to develop practical recommendations for the Prime Minister.
The minister announced that the consultation would continue on 21 October.
