It was time to pursue a policy of encouraging local industries which provided jobs and export products and to discourage import of finished products.He said that South Punjab was rich in cotton production and stressed efforts to meet 15 million cotton bales mark or even go beyond it. He said that cotton and textile exports contribution was 51 per cent to the national economy.Razak Dawood said the government would formulate a mango policy and take steps for proper marketing of mangoes. He announced to hold big mango festival in Multan.
He said the government was heading to a clear direction on economic front, adding that the country remained a victim of de-industrialization during the last decade and the incumbent government had to make arrangements for jobs for 200 million people. It would not just be trading but robust industrialization, he said. He criticized elements bringing in products through under-invoicing and selling these at low price at the cost of local industry. He said that it would not happen from now on wards. Razak Dawood said that Pakistani tractors were being exported to South Africa and local motorcycle industry was assembling 2.7 million units every year.
He said the government was committed to revive the closed industry. However, loan facility would not be extended repeatedly to one individual for the purpose, he added.
Razak Dawood said that Pakistan had signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with five countries. He said that under the phase-I of FTA with China, imports worth $15 billion were pouring in and $1.5 billion were being exported to China.
However, under the phase-II, Pakistan would enjoy zero-rated or duty free export of over 300 products, a facility that was being availed by Asian countries. He said that with the signing of FTA phase-II government has done its job and now it was up to the industrialists and business persons how they capitalise on this opportunity. He asked industrialists to give at least 50 acre land for export display center in Multan, adding that rest would be done by the government. He added that Faisalabad industrialists had given 78 acre land for export display center, adding that the government could not do everything alone and would need cooperation and support from the industrialists and traders.
He asked chambers to prepare a detailed report on problems and apprehensions with regard to trade with Iran, adding that these would be discussed with Iranian trade minister upon his visit to Pakistan expected in July 2019.
He said that past governments failed to take up the SME sector development seriously, adding that the government was holding talks with Japanese government for provision of working capital to SMEs and their upgradation.
He said the government would soon look into the auto policy.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to continue to work for women empowerment, adding that women must be brought to the mainstream for progress.
To a question on urban expansion at the cost of trees being cut, he said it was a serious issue and he would talk to the prime minister. He disclosed that new textile policy was under preparation and would be announced within the next few weeks. He said that chambers of commerce and industry could also give their feedback. In his welcome address MCCI President M.Sarfraz stressed the need for formation of committees for the revival of sick industries, amendment in bankruptsy laws, provision of Cold storage and cool-chain at Multan international airport to facilitate the exporters of Mango,citrus and vegetables, Freight of PIA must be subsidized so that foreign airlines could be agreed to cut their cargo charges, Representation of MCCI in Export Development Fund board, up-gradation of TDAP office in Multan. He said that bilateral trade with Iran was badly hitting due to non-availability of banking channel.He complained that commercial banks were not providing debt to SMEs and they were demanding documents which were not available with small entrepreneurs. He said that our auto policy completely failed because assemblers were using imported parts instead of promoting local vending industry. MCCI President said that due representation be granted to Multan in Public sector enterprises.
Talking to mango farmers during his visit to the plant, which produces pulp from fruit, mostly mango at the Industrial Estate Area in Multan.Soon after getting briefing from plant Chief Executive Officer Zafar Ahmad, the PM’s advisor interacted with mango farmers and assured them of all help to solve their problems. He said that plant’s capacity of 10-ton pulp per day would be enhanced up to 25 tons per day.
Mango farmers said that out of total 1.7 million-ton production of mangoes, only 85,000-ton quantity is exported. They demanded that national flag carrier should operate cost-effective cargo service for mango consignments to international destinations.
They said that Emirates airlines used to carry mango consignments, but it stopped that service since July 2018. They also demanded that mango festival should be organised every year in Multan.
Razak Dawood promised that mango festival would be made a regular annual feature in Multan and invited mango growers to visit him in Islamabad for a detailed discussion on how to improve mango exports.
Earlier, Agro Food Processing plant CEO Zafar Ahmad said that Multan produces many varieties of mango but farmers hardly get the returns they deserve. He said that the plant was registered as a food processing facility in July 2012 and was set up with funding from provincial and federal governments.
He said that the plant had thus far processed 250,000 maunds of fruit into pulp at a cost of Rs 9.8 million and it provides seasonal jobs to 10,000 people every year. He said that plant’s cold storage capacity was 600 tons which would be increased to 800 tons.
