ISLAMABAD, Dec 6: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Wednesday the government was vigorously pursuing signing of free trade agreements (FTAs) with a number of countries to boost exports.

Chairing a meeting to review the implementation of the trade policy initiatives during the last three years, the premier said that the government was focusing on trade and economic diplomacy to get better market access for locally-manufactured products.

Commerce minister and commerce secretary briefed the prime minister on the implementation of the steps announced for the promotion of domestic trade.

An official announcement issued after the meeting said that the prime minister told the meeting that signing of FTA with China was a significant development which would give a boost to our exports.

“Exports are a major mechanism to drive the economy, earn foreign exchange and generate employment and the government is focusing on value addition and on increasing productivity and competitiveness of our products to get better market access,” he added.

Mr Aziz reviewed various incentives given by the government to increase exports. He said the ministry of commerce should have an aggressive marketing policy and strategy. The ministry should prioritise building brands and need assessment of the potential clients.

It should also adopt an industry- and geography-focused approach and should work to leverage the qualitative edge of our products, the prime minister added.

He said the liberalised economic policies had increased competitiveness enabling our exports to grow. “Pakistan has a unique advantage in textiles, leather, engineering and agricultural products which should be promoted across the globe”.

The premier reviewed transition of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) into Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). He said the authority should be run on professional lines and it should have a focused approach to diversify and increase exports by exploring new markets and identifying new products.