PESHAWAR: The representatives of traders and exporters on Wednesday declared the complicated regulations and procedures, strict policies and high regulatory duties main reasons for the country’s low exports and demanded of the government to take concrete steps to address them for stronger regional trade and economy.

They gathered in the opening session of the National Exporters Training Programme (NETP), which was organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in collaboration with the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Chamber House here.

The speakers included SCCI vice-president Abdul Jalil Jan, former president Faiz Mohammad Faizi, TDAP director general Shehzad Ahmad Khan, director Atlas Khan, assistant director Zahid Khan, and SCCI executive committee members, including Mujeebur Rehman, Ihsanullah Khan, Shamsur Rahim and Aftab Hayat.

A large number of businessperson from honey-producing, gemstone and mineral sectors attended the event, which was meant to share the essential information and trade knowledge in terms of available resources, international trends, and TDAP facilitation initiatives for exporters.

Acting SCCI president Shahid Hussain said huge potential and vast opportunities existed for the promotion of Pak-Afghan trade but it needed proper attention on part of stakeholders.

He, however, said Islamabad and Kabul should make vigorous efforts to bring easiness in their policies and to remove hurdles in way of mutual trade.

The SCCI president called for the provision of facilities to traders, exporters and importers on both sides of the border.

He said the government in collaboration with the private sector was taking measures to enhance exports and reduce imports, which would bring down the current trade deficit.

The SCCI chief urged the federal and provincial governments to adopt an effective strategy for the revival of war-affected and sick industries in the province as militancy had badly affected industrialisation.

He appreciated the TDAP for holding the training session for exporters and said the province’s economy mostly depended on the promotion of Pak-Afghan trade.

Mr Hussain said the Pak-Afghan trade totalled $2.5 billion a few years ago but it had come down to less than $1 billion dollar for different reasons, especially disinterest of both Pakistani and Afghanistan governments.

He called for the removal of hurdles to Pak-Afghan trade and practical measures to address the grievances and difficulties of traders and exporters and importers to further enhance regional trade and strengthen economy.

Earlier, TDAP director general Shehzad Ahmad Khan briefed participants about the National Exporters Training Programme and said the initiative used to impart necessary training to the business community so that the people could get their objectives within the shortest possible time and with the minimum resources.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2020