Jam Kamal Khan Highlights Export-Boosting Measures at Sialkot Chamber
SIALKOT: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, joined by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Finance Minister Senator Aurangzeb, visited the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) to discuss challenges and opportunities in Pakistan’s export sector with the business community.
The visit reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing exports and building stronger ties with exporters.Gem, Jewelry City to be established in Islamabad
The SCCI President praised recent governmental measures, including reductions in the policy rate and progress on the Duty Drawback of Local Taxes and Levies (DLTL). However, he urged for additional reforms to sustain export growth and better support the business community.
- Permanent SCCI representation on the Export Development Fund (EDF) board.
- Immediate approval and release of EDF funds.
- Bulletproof vehicles for foreign delegates.
- EDF assistance for a Combined Effluent Treatment Plant and solar energy projects for Sialkot’s tannery zone.
- Establishment of a Business Facilitation Center with a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) desk in Sialkot.
- Removal of the provincial infrastructure cess, as advocated by the Commerce Minister.
- Resolution of issues in Export Processing Zones and reinstatement of the Fixed Tax Regime (FTR).
Minister Jam Kamal Khan thanked the Defence Minister for facilitating the visit, enabling direct engagement with Sialkot’s business stakeholders. He acknowledged the challenges facing exporters and emphasized a government-wide commitment to prioritizing export growth over a revenue-centric approach.
“The Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and the entire cabinet recognize the importance of export development. Despite limitations, we are dedicated to addressing the needs of the business community,” he said.
The Minister assured improvements in the EDF structure and pledged to present recommendations to the Prime Minister. He supported initiatives such as airport scanners, tannery projects, and business facilitation centers to boost exports.
Jam Kamal also announced plans to establish a modern expo center with a Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) office and a Ministry of Commerce facilitation desk in Sialkot.
He stressed the need to strengthen sector-specific councils to address unique industry challenges, promising to bring their recommendations to the National Export Development Board (NEDB), chaired by the Prime Minister.
To tackle export compliance and certification hurdles, the Minister encouraged collaboration with national accreditation bodies to streamline processes and reduce costs.
The Finance Minister outlined recent steps to stabilize the economy, while the Defence Minister praised the Commerce Minister’s active engagement with exporters.
The Women’s Chamber President requested larger expo center spaces, EDF board representation, and a research cell. She also proposed women-specific public procurement quotas and a shift from “women-owned” to “women-led” business advantages. The Commerce Minister assured focused attention on these suggestions.
The visit concluded with a question-and-answer session addressing tax regimes, EDF surcharges, and regional competitiveness. The Minister called for detailed written proposals on pending matters and assured consistent engagement with the business community.
By engaging directly with exporters and addressing their concerns, the visit reinforced the government’s commitment to achieving export growth and fostering economic resilience.
