KARACHI: Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), today hosted a high-level “Consultative Session with Stakeholders on Export Performance” at Federation House, Karachi, aimed at formulating strategies to boost Pakistan’s exports and strengthen the national economy.
The session was chaired by the Federal Secretary for Commerce, Mr. Jawad Paul, and attended by key government officials including Mr. Saif Anjum, Secretary Industries & Production, senior TDAP officials, and stakholder trade bodies.
In his welcome address, Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, emphasized that export enhancement lies at the very heart of Pakistan’s economic stability and growth. He appreciated the Ministry of Commerce’s leadership in engaging with the private sector to address on-the-ground realities.
Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh elaborated that FPCCI firmly believes that sustainable export growth can only be achieved through close coordination between policymakers and the business community. He highlighted that while Pakistan’s exporters are resilient and innovative, they currently face multiple challenges, including the high cost of doing business, energy constraints, access to finance, market diversification, and compliance with international standards.
FPCCI Chief also pointed out immense opportunities in value-added manufacturing, services exports, IT, and agro-based industries. He expressed confidence that the session would lead to strategies that strengthen foreign exchange reserves, create employment, and place Pakistan on a sustainable growth trajectory.
Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, informed that the consultative session featured comprehensive representation from major private sector stakeholders; including, Textiles: Representatives from APTMA, APTPMA, PRGMEA, and TMA; Fruits and Vegetables: Representatives of the Pakistan Fruits & Vegetables Association (PFVA); * Travel and Tourism: Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO) and Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP); and Transport and Logistics: Representatives of the Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA).
The session concluded with remarks by the Chair, Mr. Jawad Paul, following detailed sector-wise discussions and recommendations – who agreed with the issues like the lack of regionally-comparative cost of energy and need for facilitative taxation measures to the exporters.
Mr. Saif Anjum, Secretary Industries & Production, highlighted that a vast export processing zone is being established and operationalized on the lands of Pakistan Steel Mills for expansion and facilitation of export-oriented industries – and, trade and industry should fully capitalize on the opportunities.
