ISLAMABAD, Nov 25: The government has worked out a comprehensive strategy including the appointment of Honorary Consul Generals for enhancement of exports to Russia and Eastern European countries.
Talking to Dawn on Friday Secretary Commerce Syed Asif Shah said that it was also decided to appoint local experts in these countries as market executive for exploring markets for Pakistani products.
He said that the honorary consul general would only be appointed in those cities, where there was a potential for Pakistani exports. The foreign office has already requested in this regard, added the secretary.
Mr Shah said that the major hurdle in the smooth flow of trade with these countries was the non-existence of the branches of the Pakistani banks.
Currently, he said that trade with these countries occurred on a barter like system which often created problems for the exporters.
He said that it was decided that some Pakistani banks would open up their branches in these countries initially in Russia so that exporters could be facilitated in transaction of their money.
The secretary said that under the proposed strategy the ministry of commerce was also considering to establish warehouses in these countries. He said that it would be decided later on that who would finance the establishment of the warehouses and places for it.
Currently, there was no warehousing facility for Pakistani goods in these countries which could help exporters for keeping products for sometime before introducing in the market.
The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) would assist the holding of product specific exhibitions in these countries, he said, adding the EPB would also finance visits of target oriented business delegations. The priority products for exhibitions would be textiles, rice, fruits and vegetables.
Mr Shah said that it was also decided that a small display centre for Pakistan products would be established in the Pakistani missions in these countries.
The government would also facilitate Pakistani exporters in getting visas and it was also under consideration to request the national flag carrier to increase its direct flights to these countries.
The secretary said that the emphasis would also be made on Pakistan’s image, promotion of Pakistani brand names and new markets for new products.
