The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (Minfal) has proposed inclusion of farm machinery and equipment in the positive list with India in the trade policy, it is learnt. Official sources told Business Recorder on Thursday that Ministry of Commerce is reviewing the list with India and Minfal has suggested inclusion of farm machinery.
The official further said that the import of farm machinery from India would reduce the input cost, as it is advanced and comparatively cheaper. "We have also offered to trade agriculture products at zero rate of duty, but India is reluctant to do so, as agri-products in India are heavily subsidised", he added.
Putting farm machinery on the positive list would not only spearhead healthy competition but also increase the yield, as production in Pakistan is below the capacity, the official opined.
Indian government had handed over a list of 286 products to Pakistan for inclusion in the positive list, which if approved by Islamabad, would raise the tradable list of products to 1,059 items. Currently, Pakistan's tradable list contains only 773 items.
According to the official, the ministry is likely to clear around 130 items. However, final decision lies with the Prime Minister.
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