KARACHI - Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Chief Executive Abid Javed Akbar has said that TDAP believes in purposeful and result-oriented efforts to enhance country’s exports to $50 billion soon.
He exchanged these views during his visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He stated that KCCI can be made focal Chamber for trade with D-8 countries.
He said TDAP is keeping abreast business and industrial community on GSP+ 2014 in European Union. He offered TDAP’s entire support to organize seminar on Pakistan-EU trade on recently enforced Autonomous Trade Preferences (ATPs) with concessional tariff arrangements on 78 items. He also sought KCCI’s proposals to work on GSP+ with USA.
Chief Executive TDAP recognized Karachi Chamber as the most productive forum of Pakistan and commended its efforts for playing its imperative role to uplift the economy. He stated that TDAP organized first Expo Pakistan with the cooperation of KCCI. “TDAP & KCCI, being partners is trade development, are committed to promote trade,” he said.
He assured of his support in organization of KCCI’s My-Karachi annual exhibitions, saying that KCCI would be consulted to organize sequel of Lifestyle Pakistan in India. He also appreciated the initiative of KCCI to organize export trophy awards for Karachi-based exporters.
He stated that he is activating the Trade Facilitation Committees to resume the exercise of direct dialogue of business and industrial community with Customs officials and others. He informed that funds have been allocated for capacity building of gems and jewellery sector.
On the occasion, KCCI’s President Muhammad Haroon Agar stated that industrialization and exports are crucial to uplift the economy of Pakistan. He asserted upon the dire need of exploring regional markets and enhance regional trade with SAARC, ASEAN, Central Asian Republics, China, Iran, India, Middle East and African countries. To achieve GSP Plus status in European Union, imperative and timely action by government is vital.
To achieve a milestone in enhancement of exports, he articulated that Pakistan should focus to sign Preferential and Free Trade Agreements particularly with India, Indonesia and Turkey to tap the SAARC, Asian and Eurasian region.
He urged to introduce legal framework to protect the exporters from unforeseen incidents like consignments losses and to launch a national drive to fortify exports. Former president KCCI Majyd Aziz, senior vice president Shamim Firpo, vice president Nasir Mehmood and the Managing Committee Members also participated in the meeting.