Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the trade environment, simplifying tax-related processes and supporting export-led growth during a high-level consultative meeting with representatives of Pakistan’s major exporters’ associations in Karachi.
The meeting, held on Friday, brought together senior representatives and business leaders from several national trade bodies. During the session, Minister Kayani briefed exporters on tax policy and the relief measures introduced for the export sector under the recently announced budget. He also listened to concerns raised by industry representatives and discussed potential measures to address operational challenges affecting exporters.
According to a press release, the meeting focused on the government’s broader efforts to facilitate trade and strengthen the environment for exporters. Discussions covered tax-related matters as well as ways to improve the implementation of policies affecting businesses engaged in international trade.
Minister Kayani also highlighted the Export Facilitation Committees notified by the government following the budget. He explained that the committees have been established to provide greater support to exporters, help resolve issues raised by businesses and create a structured mechanism for addressing disputes between exporters and relevant authorities.
A key objective of the committees is to ensure that exporters have an effective channel through which their concerns can be addressed amicably. The government also intends for the mechanism to protect exporters from unnecessary harassment by tax officials while improving communication between businesses and government institutions.
During the meeting, Kayani reiterated the government’s intention to give greater priority to export-oriented industrial growth. He assured representatives from the trade sector that the government would continue providing policy support and maintain open channels of communication with industry stakeholders.
The minister’s engagement with exporters comes as businesses continue to seek greater clarity and efficiency in tax procedures and other regulatory processes connected with exports. Industry representatives used the meeting to present practical recommendations aimed at resolving tax-related operational issues and improving conditions for businesses involved in export activity.
Representatives of the participating trade bodies welcomed the dialogue and appreciated Minister Kayani’s continued engagement with the business community. They also acknowledged his efforts to address industry concerns, facilitate exporters and support the creation of a more conducive environment for export-led growth.
The meeting included representatives from a broad range of industries, highlighting the government’s engagement with different segments of Pakistan’s export sector. Participants included M. Babar Khan and Faisal Arshad Shaikhi from PHMA, Mahmood Nara and Shafiq Jhokwala from PAKSEA, Amir Amin Kothawala and Ejaz Khokhar from PRGMEA, Athar Bari and Aamir Hassan Lari from TMA, and Abdus Samad from PCMA.
Other participants included Farooq Rahman Dittu from PCFA, Rehmat Naveed Elahi from PBEA, Irfan Merchant from PDMEA, Syed Muhammad Aasim from APBUMA, Sohail Pasha and Khurram Mukhtar from PTEA, Khawaja Masood Akhtar from PSGMEA, Zeshan Tariq from SIMAP and Zahid Nazir from PCMEA.
Syed Ahtesham Mazhar and Fawad Ijaz Khan represented PLGEMA and Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Hamid Arshad Zahur represented the Pakistan Tanners Association, while Zafar Iqbal attended on behalf of the Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association.
The session also included Annas Raheel from the Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Malik Faisal Jahangir from the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, Aslam Pakhali from the All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers & Merchants Association, and Abdul Hannan from the All Pakistan Meat Exporters & Processors Association.
The government’s continued consultations with exporters indicate an effort to keep industry stakeholders involved in discussions surrounding tax policy and export facilitation. Through the Export Facilitation Committees and ongoing engagement with trade bodies, authorities aim to address operational concerns while supporting export-oriented industries and improving the overall environment for international trade.
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