Commerce Minister Assures Trade-Friendly Policies for Support of SCCI

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan here promised to extend all kinds of support to the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry for trade-friendly policies that would promote industrialisation and boost trade.

In an online video conference with SCCI, Jam Kamal Khan Minister stressed the government’s commitment to creating a facilitative business environment. The thrust is in resolving these challenges being faced by industries, particularly in trade with Afghanistan and surrounding nations.

Minister Sheikh Rashid listens to grievances of SCCI President Fuad Ishaq, who enumerated several key issues like increased costs of power and gas. Those problems are shutting down many industries, he claimed. Heavy tariffs being enforced on business, coupled with the staggering trade decline with Afghanistan – from $3bn in 2013-14 to just $800m now.

Fuad Ishaq calls the government to address issues that are already affecting both transit and bilateral trade with Afghanistan, which have been registering tremendous losses for local businesses. The Sindh minister further proposed the establishment of new industrial estate aiming towards industrial expansion and recovery of the regional economy.

Jam Kamal Khan reaffirmed the government’s deep commitment to resolving all of these challenges. The minister said that issues over power, gas, and tariffs in all sectors harassing industries would be addressed. At the same time, he described improving trade with Afghanistan to access markets in the Central Asian region as important.

The meeting ended on a positive note as both parties agreed that immediate action is needed to solve the problems of the business community and to promote sustainable industrial growth, which will increase Pakistan’s trade both regionally and globally.