Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Chief Executive S M Munir told trade associations here on Tuesday that efforts are being made to address the issues of the exporters.
"The current trade scenario in Pakistan is not favourable as required but even then, TDAP is endeavouring to upscale the country's trade growth through swift application of government policies after eradicating those issues which the exporters of Pakistan are confronting while carrying out their export consignments to the other countries," he said.
He also claimed that he, with his team at TDAP are working to take onboard all the sectors to help solve their export related issues. Then representatives of the different business forums told him about their problems.
In his speech, Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President said, "We are not getting sales tax refund and customs duty refund from the last 13 months. One of the participant raised issue of Pakistan-China FTA."
Representatives of the rice sector talked about their sector-related concerns, telling him to bring in QRC-related issues in final form. Another representative of the surgical sector sought help in terms of documentation and certifications with regard to surgical registration at the international level markets where registration is required.
The Sports Goods Association also expressed concerns over their products. One of the participants talked about composite-based sports goods to be identified as a separate sector, arguing that it is a big sector with lot of export potential and skilled input. They also stressed the industry-academia relationship be facilitated.
Representatives of the carpet industry also voiced their reservations on hand-made carpets regarding international markets, with a participant suggesting to establish a marketing board to improve the marketing side which could help in enhancing the marketing skills.