Only those who write ACRs are heard: Secretary Commerce

Secretary Commerce, Sardar Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera said on Thursday that in Pakistan only those who write Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) of employees have a say.

He was responding to a question raised by Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Commerce, Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi during a meeting of the standing committee. Mirza Afridi asked if an investor comes to Pakistan whom should he/she meet, and advised that the concerned officer should go and meet the investor.

Secretary Commerce replied that since Ministry of Commerce, Industries and Production and Board of Investment (BoI) are headed by one Advisor there is a feeling that officials should contact investors. Pakistani officers posted in embassies, should also liaise with investors and encourage them to invest in Pakistan.

However, when he became Secretary Commerce, the Ministry changed responsibilities and job description of Trade Officers and now they will be called Trade and Investors Officer (TIO) instead of Trade Officers, but he added that ACR is an issue.

"In Pakistan those who write ACRs are heard," he said, adding that the government was now thinking of giving a special role to BoI in this regard. The committee asked the Ministry to share the names of recently appointed TIOs, some of who, according to the Secretary Commerce, have already assumed responsibilities.

Secretary Commerce said that now the TIO will also be responsible for bringing investment as they are salespersons of the country, adding that any TIO whose performance will be lower than the prescribed Key Performance Indicator (KPIs) for two quarters, will be recalled.

"Earlier Trade Officers used to enjoy diplomatic status but did not work," he continued.

Answering a question, Secretary Commerce, revealed that Generalized System of Preference (GSP) plus was Pakistan's lifeline, adding that Pakistan has good preparation for the review scheduled next month. Commerce Advisor, Abdul Razak Dawood will lead a delegation to Brussels where he would hold meetings with the EU authorities.

He informed the committee that an EU delegation which visited Pakistan early this year had raised several queries. The delegation met with different stakeholders including human rights Division and sought questions on ten areas. GSP plus extension was based on progress in 27 Conventions. Commerce Division has submitted answers to those questions. He said, Treaty Implementation Cell (TIC) headed by Attorney General for Pakistan liaises with all the stakeholders including provinces.

He said Commerce Division was in contact with the Islamabad-based ambassadors of European Union (EU) and the impact of GSP plus on Pakistan's export was to the tune of $ 3.5 billion to $ 4 billion which was huge for the country.

Senator Tahir Bizenjo said Pakistan is not able to compete and asked why Pakistan does not pay attention to increase its trade with neighbouring countries like Afghanistan and Iran and India too. He further stated that Pakistan's trade with Afghanistan has already declined substantially and India is far ahead in trade with Afghanistan and Iran as compared to Pakistan. He said economic stability is linked to political stability.

Secretary Commerce stated that Prime Minister has held a couple of meetings with respect to transit trade and suggested a separate meeting be convened to discuss trade with Afghanistan and Iran.

Secretary Commerce stated that trade with India is suspended after tense situation in Held Kashmir and only life-saving drugs are being imported. Pakistan's last exports to India were to the tune of $ 350 million whereas imports were $ 1.6 billion.

He said India cannot export its goods to Afghanistan through land route and can only use Karachi port for this purpose.

Senator Atta ur-Rehman alleged that the government has "already sold Kashmir to India". Secretary Commerce replied that he cannot comment on this issue, adding that the role of Commerce Ministry is to promote exports and our exports are linked to surplus. He further stated that in the past attention was paid to value addition. He asked: For how long Pakistan will continue to manufacture towels and shirts?

Secretary noted that Pakistan is organizing "Look Africa" conference in Nairobi next month as Africa has great potential.

Senator Dilawar Khan walked out from the meeting due to "non-cooperative" behaviour of the Chairman of the Committee. Senator Dr. Ghous Bux Niazi successfully persuaded him to return.