Pakistan’s exports declined by only six percent in pandemic: Razak Dawood  

RAWALPINDI: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood has said the COVID-19 epidemic had caused many problems across the globe but compared to other countries, Pakistan’s exports had declined by only six percent.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of ‘Virtual International Trade Forum’, organized by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), he said the present government had provided many incentives to exporters to enhance the business activities in the country.

The adviser said various duties including regulatory and customs duties and tariffs on many products had been reduced in order to boost trade with African countries. “Now Pakistan has started exporting microwave ovens and refrigerators to the African countries”, Dawood added.

“I have received information that some exporters have obtained large orders for face masks from the US, Canada, and Europe. This is a major breakthrough and I congratulate them for this achievement,” the adviser wrote.

Abdul Razak Dawood further said that it is part of the government’s strategy to diversify into new segments and this has been achieved by the exporters through their own efforts.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Additional Secretary Ali Javed, speaking on the occasion, said Pakistan’s ranking had been improved in the business facilitation due to ease of doing business.

He appreciated the role of the RCCI in organizing the trade forum in a short span of time during this critical period.

Ali Javed emphasized improving the image of Pakistan, liaising with industry and academia and promoting products in new sectors.

He said that the government fully aware of the issues being faced by the business community ever since the coronavirus outbreak in the country. He said that the government will introduce several more programs for exporters.