New trade policy to be accommodative, help boost exports, says Khaqan
By Asad Cheema

ISLAMABAD—Minister for Commerce, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said on Monday that the forthcoming trade policy would be formulated in consultation with all stakeholders to make it more accommodative and efficient to propel exports for reducing trade deficit and socio economic prosperity of the country.
“If the country is to prosper we should enhance productivity and enhance exports for the prosperity of the country”, he told the participants of the 59th meeting of the Advisory Council for the Ministry of Commerce”, here at “P” Block Auditorium this morning. Chairman Trade Development Authority (TDA), Tariq Ikram, Secretary Ministry of Commerce, Syed Asif Shah, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) M.Abdullah Yousuf, senior officials of the ministry of commerce and Industries and representatives of business community and chambers of commerce attended the meeting.
In his opening remarks, Minister for Commerce , Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that government wanted to resolve the problems of the business community including, industrialists and exporters, for the promotion of trade and investment in the country.
He assured the participants of the meeting and the stake holders that their valuable suggestions would be taken care of for better coordination and accommodate them in the formulation of the forthcoming “Trade policy 2008-09” for the prosperity of the country.
Mr.Abbasi also highlighted the importance of improved infrastructure facilities for promotion of industry and create more employment opportunities and economic growth of the country.
He added that government is taking steps for the development of infrastructure facilities, in order to reduce cost of doing business in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, President of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Tanvir Ahmed Sheikh appreciated the convening of the meeting in order to make consultations on forth coming trade policy.
He stressed the need for transforming the economic gains of the government to the poor segment of society. The President of FPCCI also called for promotion of exports for the socio economic development of the country. About textile sector, he said that Pakistan’s economy largely depends on textile sector , whereas more than 65 percent exports earnings come through the sector.
Mr.Sheikh also called for promotion of the sector to further boost its exports for the benefit of the country.