ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Commerce will consolidate exporters’ proposals on energy costs, taxation, regulatory charges and market access into a comprehensive presentation for consideration by the Prime Minister, as the government steps up efforts to address constraints hampering Pakistan’s export competitiveness.
The decision was taken at a follow-up high-level consultative meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Thursday, attended by Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani, senior government officials and leading exporters.
The meeting reviewed progress on issues raised during an earlier consultation and examined responses received from relevant government departments, with particular emphasis on measures requiring further policy intervention and inter-ministerial coordination.
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According to the discussions, exporters continue to face multiple challenges, including high industrial energy costs, taxation, financing constraints, regulatory procedures, certification charges and difficulties in accessing international markets.
The minister stressed that consultations with the private sector must translate into practical outcomes, observing that even relatively small regulatory costs and procedural complications could collectively undermine the competitiveness of Pakistani products in international markets.
On international market access, Jam Kamal Khan said the government was pursuing sustained diplomatic and trade engagements to secure improved preferential access for Pakistani exports.
He said Pakistan was revisiting existing trade arrangements and seeking better concessions from major trading partners, including China, South Korea, Türkiye, Japan and Vietnam.
Regarding China, the minister said Pakistan had been advocating greater tariff concessions in line with preferential treatment extended to other countries. Discussions on preferential trade arrangements with South Korea were also progressing, while engagement with other trading partners continued through diplomatic missions, trade offices and bilateral consultations.
The meeting also examined market access concerns relating to Pakistani tyre exports to Türkiye. Officials informed participants that certain tyre categories already enjoyed concessions under the bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Exporters were asked to provide specific product details and Harmonized System (HS) codes to enable the ministry to take up outstanding issues with Turkish authorities.
Industrial energy costs, particularly the gas levy and its implications for export competitiveness, featured prominently in the discussions. Participants were informed that the Ministry of Finance had constituted a committee comprising relevant government and industry representatives to review the levy policy and its calculation formula and recommend possible adjustments.
Exporters also raised concerns over the Punjab infrastructure cess, including its application, collection mechanism and additional financial burden on businesses.
The meeting underscored the need to clarify the applicable legal framework, exemptions and coordination arrangements with provincial authorities.
On taxation, participants discussed proposals to rationalise existing eligibility thresholds for export-related incentives and explore proportionate super tax relief linked to export-derived income.
Concerns regarding additional sales tax and refund arrangements for non-traditional exporters were also examined. The proposals are to be reviewed in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The Export Facilitation Scheme came under review, with participants highlighting procedural requirements and eligibility criteria that could be improved to make the scheme more accessible to exporters.
Proposals were also made to strengthen incentives under the export growth scheme to encourage businesses to expand international sales.
Exporters further drew attention to certification charges and repeated documentation amendment fees imposed by the Department of Plant Protection. The meeting emphasised that regulatory charges should be rationalised to ensure institutional sustainability without imposing unnecessary costs on exporters. The Ministry of Commerce is already examining the matter.
Business visa restrictions, foreign travel advisories and associated insurance costs were also discussed. Officials said the relevant authorities were pursuing these matters through diplomatic channels, while options to expedite visa processing for verified exporters and business representatives were being explored.
The meeting also considered opportunities to expand Pakistan’s livestock and dairy exports. The minister stressed the need to align new proposals with ongoing government initiatives and recent consultations involving relevant ministries and private-sector stakeholders. Officials were directed to prepare consolidated recommendations identifying existing policy measures and additional opportunities for sectoral development.
Regarding Pakistan’s GSP Plus status, participants underscored the importance of continued compliance with international commitments and sustained engagement with European partners to safeguard preferential access to the European market.
The minister called for stronger coordination among federal ministries, provincial governments, regulatory authorities and exporters to resolve outstanding issues. He urged exporters to submit concise written recommendations specifying the problems encountered, proposed solutions and government interventions required.
Relevant ministries and departments were also asked to provide updated positions and timelines for resolving pending matters.
The Ministry of Commerce will consolidate the recommendations into a comprehensive presentation for consideration by the Prime Minister at an anticipated high-level meeting.
Jam Kamal Khan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining regular engagement with exporters, reducing the cost of doing business, improving access to international markets and strengthening Pakistan’s export-oriented economy.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026