ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday vowed to promote the local industry and pursue the policy of “make in Pakistan” so that people rely on local products that will help curtail import bill.

“Our government is vigorously pursuing ‘Make in Pakistan’ policy to promote export-led industrialisation in the country and our efforts in the last two years have been to further this objective through various interventions, particularly in ease-of-doing-business,” the prime minister said during a meeting with a delegation of leading exporters from various sectors, including poultry, rice, fruits, information technology, pharmaceuticals and textile.

Acknowledging the critical role of exports in the national economy, including job creation and employment of young workforce of the country, the prime minister said the government was committed to extending all possible facilities to the exporters and removing all impediments in the way of enhancing the country’s exports both in goods and services. He emphasised the need for greater focus on capitalising the country’s potential in services-related exports with greater facilitation and provision of an enabling environment.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction that Pakistan’s economy was moving in the right direction as the country had recorded a current account surplus in the month of July this year and was constantly showing growth in exports after a global slump caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He noted that in order to promote the process of industrialisation in the country and make local products competitive, the government had either eliminated or significantly reduced duties on hundreds of tariff lines involving raw material for the local industry. He said the system of refunds had been streamlined to resolve liquidity issues of exporters and industrialists.

Prime Minister Khan reiterated that the momentum of increase in exports could only be maintained through increased focus on product and geographical diversification.

During the meeting, the exporters appreciated various policy initiatives of the present government and also presented various suggestions to increase the country’s exports in their respective areas.

Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar, Adviser to the PM on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and Adviser on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood were also present during the meeting.

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2020