Business representatives have welcomed the EXIM Bank scheme for exporters, calling it a positive step toward easier access to export financing. The praise came during a consultative meeting chaired on Wednesday by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, according to a news release. The gathering brought together leading exporters, industrialists and business representatives to discuss exporters’ concerns, industrial competitiveness and faster export growth.
Several officials took part. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry joined online, while Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, and senior secretaries and departmental officials attended in person. Business figures joined both virtually and face to face.
Exporters raise energy, levy and shipping concerns
Jam Kamal stressed the need to widen Pakistan’s export range, add value to products, open new overseas markets and remove structural obstacles facing exporters. He acknowledged pressure from higher energy prices, transport and freight costs, taxation and shifting global trade conditions.
Industry representatives pointed to energy costs, the captive power gas levy, provincial infrastructure levies and rising production expenses. Petroleum Division officials explained how the gas levy works. Exporters also flagged international shipping delays, port facilitation, tax refunds and banking rules, and proposed more flexible payment settlement periods because global logistics had been disrupted.
Participants suggested studying markets where Bangladesh and India enjoy preferential trade advantages, and exploring improved bilateral trade arrangements to boost Pakistan’s competitiveness.
Livestock, mining and tax issues on the agenda
Representatives of the meat and livestock sector raised foot-and-mouth disease, international sanitary requirements, border restrictions and access to Gulf markets. Responding, Jam Kamal said the Prime Minister was personally following livestock development, including disease control, investment, better breeding and value-added exports. Participants were also told that a dedicated, private-sector-led livestock board was being planned.
Mineral exporters complained about restrictions on mining explosives and withholding taxes. Qaiser Saleem Shabbir (CEO), speaking for the surgical instruments sector, called for technological upgrades, skilled manpower, industrial investment and modernisation. FBR officials outlined steps to speed up tax refund processing and digital invoicing, while exporters described difficulties with outstanding refunds, business visas and international compliance rules.
Ministry to consolidate issues for Prime Minister
Concluding the meeting, Jam Kamal said the Ministry of Commerce would combine sector-specific and cross-cutting problems and seek replies from concerned ministries. The aim, he said, is to produce practical recommendations for the Prime Minister’s consideration. Bilal Azhar added that the issues would be compiled systematically and reviewed with relevant departments at the next consultation.
Bilal Azhar also stressed recording exporters’ problems, obtaining departmental responses and producing actionable recommendations rather than limiting the exercise to general discussion. The minister thanked business leaders and officials for their constructive participation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustained public-private engagement, export diversification, industrial growth and stronger competitiveness in international markets.
