RAWALPINDI, JUL 22 (DNA) – Prime Minister Advisor on Trade and Commerce, Razzaq Dawood has said that the Government is keen to pursue Look Africa Policy aiming to explore new markets and product diversification.

Addressing the Virtual International Trade Forum organized by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), he said that the government was giving many incentives to Pakistani exporters.

Regulatory duties, customs duties and tariffs on many products have been reduced to boost trade with African countries. Now Pakistan has started exporting microwave Ovens and refrigerators to African countries. The Corona epidemic has caused many problems, but compared to other countries, Pakistan’s exports have declined by only six percent, while in other countries it is in double digits.

Ali Javed, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Pakistan’s ranking has improved in the business facilitation rankings, Ease of Doing Business (EODB). The role of the Rawalpindi Chamber in organizing the trade forum in a short span of time is commendable. He emphasized on improving the image of Pakistan, liaising with industry academia, promoting new sectors and products. The fastest growing economies in the world include five African countries, he added.

Saboor Malik in his welcome remarks said that this forum is the continuity of the Africa Trade Forum organized by RCCI last year.

The virtual forum was attended by commercial and trade consular from Pakistan and abroad, officials of the Ministry of Commerce and CEOs of the companies

The purpose of the trade forum was to make the business community aware of trade and export opportunities in African markets, he added.

He suggested that there is a need to emphasize on country specific policy and guidelines should be prepared for African destinations as every country has its priorities for exports & imports. A product/commodity specific approach along with competitiveness challenges be introduced. Air-links, banking channels and Tariff lines should be improved, he added.

Group Leader Sohail Altaf said that the Auto-Mobile sector should be prioritized; it is the only sector that can help in revenue collection and creating job employment.

Chairman Regional Trade Committee Khurshid Berlas, added that in the current difficult situation amid Covid-19, there is an important opportunity for us to re-examine our market and products.

Through virtual platforms, RCCI will be organizing more events on these lines and our ultimate goal is to promote a positive image of the country and explore new markets and strengthen trade ties among the countries. DNA

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