KARACHI, July 21: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) president Riaz Ahmed Tata has expressed dismay over non-inclusion of some important proposals of the FPCCI in the trade policy such as duty-free import of ring spring frames by textile industry, duty-free import of industrial raw materials and spares and privatization of ports.

Mr Riaz, however, admitted that several FPCCI proposals were included in the new trade policy 2003-04 announced by commerce minister Humayun Akhtar Khan on Saturday.

The FPCCI chief also expressed concern over the exclusion of private business sector for the various committees and projects envisaged in the trade policy.

In a statement issued here on Monday, Mr Riaz stressed the vital importance of efficient and effective implementation of the trade policy proposals.

Export target of $12.10 billion could only be achieved if the private sector is given due participation and facilitation in the implementation of trade policy proposals.

The FPCCI president is expected to meet the commerce minister on July 22 to discuss the effective implementation of trade policy proposals.

Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) chairman S.M. Naseer says the export target seems achievable in view of export strategy and liberation of foreign trade.

In a statement, he called for duty-free import of machinery and plants to meet the challenges of WTO regime. The government, he said, should also consider abolition of 0.25 per cent export development surcharge.

Mr Naseer said the Punjab government had already withdrawn conditions of labour inspections of exporting factories. The same should be applied in Sindh.

KATI advisory board chairman Shaikh Manzar Alam while welcoming the new trade policy said the export target was not too optimistic as the country had already achieved $11.3 billion in 2002-03. He appreciated the decision of allowing import of used and second-hand machinery followed by the decision that Wapda and KESC should charge off-peak and bulk rates to industrial users.

FPCCI vice-president Engr M.A. Jabbar said the trade policy had focussed on the need to meet with the compliance regarding to Pakistan’s position with WTO issues. The trade policy has re-generated the already agreed concept of giving birth to Pakistan intellectual property rights organization for meeting the compliance of TRIPS agreement of WTO.

He said the policy had also indicated the need for addressing the issues of environment, which would help the export of merchandise against manufacturing certificates that goods were produced in environmental responsible behaviour. The other issues related to WTO like social standards and adoption of standardization measures, if implemented, will ensure smooth conduct of business, he added.

Mr Jabbar said WTO requirements in respect of SPSS (Sanitary and Physo Sanitary) measures had been recognized in the trade policy as the issues that are coming in the way of exports of agriculture products and fisheries.

Our Staff Reporter adds from Lahore: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) has appreciated the trade policy announced on Saturday, commending the government efforts to focus on reduction of cost of doing business, promotion of value-addition, development of clusters and establishment of three garment cities.

In a statement issued here on Monday, LCCI president Yawar Irfan Khan said the appointment of six regional trade commissioners was also a positive step in the right direction. However, he added, the appointments should be made from the private sector after consultation with the stakeholders.

“The establishment of the Rs3.47 billion upgradation fund will contribute immensely to the prosperity of the country,” he stated. He also appreciated the decision to remove all obstacles from the import of used and second-hand machinery because in many cases the industrialists were not able to outlay precious financial resources on the latest machinery. He said the warehousing policy needed redesigning as well as sincere implementation.

Mr Yawar welcomed the concept of Expo Pakistan, saying if proper planning and conceptualisation was adhered to, the event could bring the foreign buyers into the country. The LCCI chief said the commerce ministry should immediately set up compliance board headed by a professional from the private sector to pave the way for the industry to enter into WTO regime.

APTMA: In his comments on the trade policy, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) chairman Anjum M Saleem described it as “forward-looking, export-focussed and investment-friendly.” He said the targets set in the trade policy were ambitious but achievable.