CE brief audience about 2nd Phase of CPFTA

F.P. Report

KARACHI: The Ministry of Commerce and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) organized in Karachi, the first of the series of countrywide seminars for apprising the business community of the business and export opportunities arising out of the second phase of China Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, which has become operational from 1st January 2020.

A large number of businessmen from FPCCI, KCCI, women chambers, major trade associations and export sectors of Pakistan including textile, leather, agro food, chemicals industry and engineering attended the seminar. The Chief Guest of the event was Chief Executive TDAP, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Islamabad, Economic and Commercial counselor of China and Vice President FPCCI.

The Chief executive TDAP welcomed the distinguished guests. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Executive TDAP briefed the audience about the 2nd Phase of CPFTA, which offers an enhanced and deeper market access to Pakistan. He apprised that under CPFTA Phase-II, China has eliminated the tariff on 313 tariff lines of Pakistan’s export interest, giving treatment at par with ASEAN. These lines include textile and garment, sea-food, meat and other animal products, prepared foods, leather, chemicals, plastic, oil seeds and engineering goods including tractors, auto parts, home appliances and machinery. The Chief Executive, further, remarked that the 2nd Phase of CPFTA will help Pakistan in enhancing export from Pakistan to China in coming years.

The Vice Chairman of FPCCI highlighted the Role of FPCCI in finalizing the CPFTA Phase-II. He also shared his concerns that a lot to be needed to work out from Trade and other government institutions in addition to MOC to realize the gains out of the 2nd phase of CPFTA.

Mr. Guo Chunshui, Economic and Commercial Counselor, Consulate General of China and Karachi, briefed the audience about the trade profile between two countries and efforts involved in finalizing the CPFTA. He assured the support of Chinese Government in smooth implementation of FTA Phase-II.

Dr. Muhammad Hamid Ali, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, delivered a detailed presentation covering almost all relevant product areas and other aspects of FTA.

He enlightened the audience about benefits which would be accrued out of this arrangement. He answered the questions raised by the audiences to their satisfaction. In the end, Director General, TDAP thanked the audience for their presence.