ISLAMABAD: The government will promote exports of all commodities even if there is a shortage in the domestic market, said a top government adviser while announcing the cabinet’s decision to revive the defunct Engineering Development Board (EDB).

The previous government dissolved the EDB citing its failure to promote domestic industry and for causing undue delays.

Towards promoting exports, Mr Dawood claimed that export of commodities be not be stopped even if it comes at the cost of domestic consumers.

Asked whether it was the policy of government to promote commodity exports even if it costs local consumers, he said that it was his personal opinion that domestic shortages should not hinder exports.

Commenting on the revival of EDB, he said that government has decided to restructure the board to promote exports of engineering products from the country.

He said that the board for engineering development will be constituted to help resolve the issues faced by the industries. The government will announce measures to promote engineering exports from the country specially auto-parts, air-conditioners, and motorcycles and introduce new technology in the engineering sectors in Pakistan, he added.

Mr Dawood said that the local auto manufacturing will be promoted and mentioned that preliminary work has been done to rehabilitate Pakistan Steel Mills.

Answering a question on the pending sale of K-Electric, he said the issue was not discussed during the cabinet meeting.

Regarding Pak-Tajik­istan trade, the advisor said that there was a great potential which need to be exploited.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2018