Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will personally chair the new board aimed at streamlining trade processes, removing barriers and improving port efficiency.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved the establishment of a Trade Facilitation Board, which he will personally chair, to streamline Pakistan’s trade processes and address non-tariff barriers to cross-border commerce.
Chairing an important meeting on trade facilitation, the prime minister said the proposed board would take decisions to improve the entire trade supply chain and resolve issues affecting cross-border trade.
The board will prepare a roadmap for promoting trade, formulate a Trade Facilitation Index and establish a mechanism to monitor progress, the meeting was informed.
Shehbaz orders urgent measures to boost port capacity
The prime minister directed authorities to work on an emergency basis to enhance the capacity of the country’s ports and ordered the formation of various working groups for the purpose.
The working groups will focus on increasing port capacity, strengthening coordination among relevant departments, ensuring compliance with the regulatory framework, facilitating pre-arrival clearance and encouraging the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in international trade.
Shehbaz also directed authorities to simplify transportation, clearance and other procedures faced by importers and exporters at ports.
He stressed that the business community should receive the maximum possible facilitation to improve the efficiency of Pakistan’s trade system.
Port reforms improve utilisation
During the briefing, the meeting was informed that ongoing reforms had led to a reduction in port charges, resulting in a significant improvement in port utilisation.
Officials further informed the meeting that the facility for submitting Goods Declarations before the arrival of vessels was being continuously expanded.
The measure is expected to accelerate clearance procedures and reduce delays for importers and exporters.
The prime minister’s directives are aimed at improving the efficiency of Pakistan’s trade infrastructure, reducing procedural bottlenecks and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in international commerce.
Ministers attend trade facilitation meeting
The meeting was attended by Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb and Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Industries Haroon Akhtar, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior government officials also attended the meeting.