KCCI Urges Business Friendly Strategic Trade Policy Framework

KCCI Urges Business Friendly Strategic Trade Policy Framework

KARACHI: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) and the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA) have jointly called on the government to draft a pro-business Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) and Textile & Apparel Policy for the next five years. They emphasized that these policies must include actionable and realistic measures, avoiding the shortcomings of the 2020-25 policies, which failed to deliver on many of their promises.

During a visit by the PHMA delegation to KCCI, President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani and Central Chairman PHMA Muhammad Babar Khan underscored the urgency of refining these critical policies, which are set to expire this year. They stressed that eliminating ambiguities and unresolved issues from the past five years is crucial. Both leaders called for finalizing these policies through close consultation with key stakeholders, including KCCI, PHMA, and various export associations, to ensure comprehensive and effective frameworks.

Zonal Chairman (South) PHMA Faisal Arshad Sheikh, Senior Vice President KCCI Zia ul Arfeen, Vice President KCCI Faisal Khalil Ahmed, Former Chairman PHMA Abdul Jabbar Ghajian, Zonal Vice Chairmen (South) PHMA Bashir Ghaffar and Salman Ishaq, and KCCI Managing Committee Members, along with other PHMA delegates, attended the meeting.

Central Chairman PHMA Babar Khan highlighted the significance of the EU’s GSP Plus status in enabling Pakistan to compete with countries like Bangladesh across multiple product categories. He noted that over 50 percent of Pakistan’s exports have been directed to the EU since the GSP Plus status was granted, contributing significantly to the country’s export revenue. He urged collective efforts to ensure the continuation of GSP Plus and stressed the importance of adhering to Pakistan’s international commitments, including human rights conventions.

While appreciating KCCI President Jawed Bilwani’s advocacy on behalf of the business community, Babar Khan lamented the challenges faced by businesses, including gas, electricity, and water crises, as well as high tariffs that have increased the cost of doing business. He sought KCCI’s support in addressing these issues and requested the inclusion of PHMA representatives in the KCCI Exports Subcommittee and other key committees, noting PHMA’s significant contribution to the country’s exports.

President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani acknowledged PHMA’s vital role in promoting Pakistan’s exports and invited PHMA to submit its budget proposals for inclusion in KCCI’s Budget Proposals 2025-26. He reiterated KCCI’s commitment to supporting PHMA in tackling longstanding challenges and emphasized the critical importance of the textile sector to Pakistan’s economy.

“The textile sector is the backbone of our economy, contributing significantly to exports and job creation. The government must introduce sustainable and inclusive policies to address the sector’s challenges, from infrastructure issues to international compliance,” Bilwani said.

He also called for improved collaboration among industry players to maintain global competitiveness. “Strong synergies between organizations like KCCI and PHMA can pave the way for resolving long-standing issues and unlocking the sector’s full potential,” he added.

The meeting concluded with both organizations reaffirming their commitment to fostering collaboration for the betterment of Pakistan’s textile and export sectors. Participants agreed that achieving a unified vision and concerted efforts would lead to sustainable growth and prosperity for the industry.