A parliamentary panel Friday decided to review Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with different countries in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Textile to protect the country''s interests and increase exports. "Pakistan''s FTAs, especially with China, are tilted in their favour, but the later has agreed to facilitate Pakistan''s exports by giving market access," Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Textile Mirza Mohammad Afridi said.
The committee met here with Mirza Mohammad Afridi in the chair. He said the FTAs with different countries would be amended in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Textile. Presiding over the committee meeting, Afridi said that bringing balance in the country''s exports and imports is indispensable for bringing peace, stability and economic development of the country.
"Efforts would be made to boost exports," said Afridi, adding that although it would take some time, yet the country''s economic development and exports would be turned around in the country'' favour. He further said that other countries give rebate to increase their exports, but Pakistan is not making such offers. Recommendations would be given to the government after consultations with the Commerce Ministry to facilitate and enhance exports.
The committee chairman said that different measures are required to be taken for increasing cotton productions which is being considered as the lifeline of the country''s textile industry. Earlier, Senator Mirza Mohammad Afridi was elected as chairman of the committee. He replaced Syed Shibli Faraz, Leader of the House in the Senate.
Shibli Faraz proposed the name of Mirza Mohammad Afridi for the slot of committee chairman which was seconded by Senator Rana Mehmoodul Hassan. The committee meeting was also attended by Senators Dilawar Khan and Aurangzeb Khan, and officials from the Senate secretariat.