In order to address the challenges confronting Pakistan on the economic fronts, Ministry of Commerce has launched a comprehensive three years Strategic Trade Policy Framework (2009-12) document. Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim was the chief guest on the launching ceremony.
The minister appreciated the fact that the Ministry of Commerce has come up with a mid-term strategic response identifying the challenges and suggesting policy interventions. He said the world is experiencing one of the most severe recessions in the post-war period.
"Our exports have suffered a decline over the last one year and has been beset with issues like low productivity and slow diversification of export products and markets", he said. "In this backdrop, to formulate such a strategy in order to remain firm in these difficult economic times, to keep focused on our strengths, and to covert challenges into workable opportunities, is a mater of great pleasure and pride for us," he added.
Realising the need for developing and effectively implementing a national export competitiveness programme, the Ministry of Commerce has developed a three years Strategic Trade Policy framework (STPF). It would provide the reference to different trade measures by the Ministry of Commerce and other ministries from time to time.
The overall objective of the STPF is to achieve sustainable high economic growth through exports with the help of policy and support interventions by the government, industry, civil society and donors. Additional Secretary Khawaja Naeem showed deep pleasure at the launching of the STPF, which has been formulated by the Ministry of Commerce with the active collaboration of the Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD) within a short span of time. Dr Safdar Sohail, Director General, PITAD made a presentation highlighting features of the Trade Policy.