Strategic trade policy framework to boost exports, Senate told

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Senate was informed on Friday that a strategic trade policy framework 2020-25 has been prepared to bolster exports through product diversification especially in the areas of Information Technology and Engineering.

Adviser for Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood told the house during question hour that the framework proposes interventions for women and small scale entrepreneurs by facilitating their businesses for inclusive economic growth.

The Advisor said we are moving towards fixing the energy prices including those of gas and power for the export oriented sector in order to support this sector.

He said the exports are increasing with textiles witnessing quantity wise growth of twenty five percent, poultry and meat fifty percent and fisheries twenty-eight percent.

Responding to another question, Adviser for Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood said best international practices are being used for tax refunds to the exporters.

He said forty three Commercial Counselors have been selected for postings after interviews and thirty five have joined their duties.

Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan, responding to a question, said Saidu Sharif Airport is being renovated and it will be made functional especially for tourism purpose.

He said due to substantial management policies of the government, Pakistan International Airlines has reduced its deficit from 32 billion to eleven billion rupees.

He said the government is also considering to reduce air flight tickets for domestic routes.

Responding to the points of order, Leader of the House Shibli Faraz said so far no case of Coronavirus has been confirmed in Pakistan.

He said Ministry of Health Services has taken proactive measures to tackle the situation.

He said special protocols have been devised at airports for screening of passengers coming from China.

The Leader of House said special medical wards have also been established to face any kind of emergency in this regard.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan said degrading non-Muslim Pakistanis is against our party’s principles.

Responding to a point of order regarding publication of a poster with an anti-Hindu slogan on it, he apologized from Hindu community of the country for it.

He said Pakistan believes in interfaith harmony and opening of Kartarpur corridor is its reflection.  

The House will now meet again on Monday at 4pm.