Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan consults industry leaders on energy costs, tax refunds, shipping delays and market access to strengthen Pakistan’s international competitiveness.
ISLAMABAD, October 21, 2026: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has chaired a high-level consultative meeting with exporters, industrialists and business representatives to address industry challenges, improve competitiveness and accelerate Pakistan’s export growth.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry participated virtually, alongside Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani, Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Commerce and Industries Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, and senior government officials.
Jam Kamal Khan stressed the need to diversify Pakistan’s export basket, promote value-added products, explore new markets and remove structural barriers. He acknowledged the challenges posed by rising energy prices, freight costs, taxation and changing global trade conditions.
Exporters raised concerns about energy expenses, the captive power gas levy, provincial infrastructure levies, outstanding tax refunds, digital invoicing and banking regulations. They also called for greater flexibility in payment settlement periods amid international shipping delays and disruptions to global logistics.
Business representatives welcomed the EXIM Bank scheme for exporters, describing it as a positive step towards improving access to export financing.
Participants also recommended examining the preferential trade advantages enjoyed by Bangladesh and India and exploring improved bilateral trade arrangements to strengthen Pakistan’s position in international markets.
The meat and livestock sector highlighted foot-and-mouth disease, sanitary requirements, border restrictions and limited access to Gulf markets. Jam Kamal Khan said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was taking a keen interest in livestock development, disease control, breeding and value-added exports. Plans for a dedicated, private-sector-led livestock board were also discussed.
Mineral exporters raised concerns over restrictions on mining explosives and withholding taxes, while representatives of the surgical instruments industry called for technological advancement, skilled workers, investment and modernisation.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) briefed participants on measures to improve tax refund processing and digital invoicing.
Concluding the meeting, Jam Kamal Khan said the Ministry of Commerce would consolidate sector-specific and cross-cutting concerns and seek responses from relevant departments before submitting practical recommendations for the Prime Minister’s consideration.
The consultation was scheduled to continue on October 21 to review outstanding issues and finalise recommendations. The government reaffirmed its commitment to public-private engagement, export diversification and industrial growth.