ISLAMABAD - Federal Minister for Commerce Pervaiz Malik said that the government will develop the next Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) in consultation with the private sector to promote the country's trade and exports.
He said a comprehensive consultative dialogue would be held with private sector to get its input for the next STPF. He was talking to a delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) that called on him. The minister appreciated the initiative of ICCI for developing a Charter of Economy and assured that his ministry would fully support such efforts to put Pakistan on the path of sustainable economic growth. He said the government would consider rationalisation of taxes on real estate sector so that this important sector could play more effective role in generating economic activities and creating jobs. He assured that the government would give due consideration to all highlighted issues so that business community could be facilitated in promoting business activities.
On the occasion, ICCI President Sheikh Amir Waheed highlighted the key issues of business community that needed urgent attention of the government. He said the government should promulgate a balanced rent control act in Islamabad as due to absence of rent act, rent disputes were on the rise in the federal capital. He said the government should establish a new Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Islamabad to promote industrialisation in the region.
He said ICCI was working to develop a Charter of Economy in partnership with SDPI and CIPE. He said that exports of Pakistan were on the decline for the last many years and the government should develop next STPF after thorough consultation with private sector to turn around the dwindling exports.
He said TDAP's policies should be reviewed with particular focus on promoting regional trade and identifying new markets for trade promotion.
He said Pakistan has surplus wheat and TDAP should accelerate efforts for sale of Pakistani wheat in potential international markets.
ICCI Senior Vice President Muhammad Naveed and Vice President Nisar Mirza said that women were half of the country's total population and the government should focus on developing gender inclusive policies so that women could play more effective role in the economic development of the country.
Tariq Sadiq, Muhammad Ejaz Abbasi, Iftikhar Anwar Sethi were also in the delegation and they also highlighted various issues of business community.