ISLAMABAD: Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood said onMonday that the government has been striving to connect the local economywith major economies of the world so as to achieve the agenda of tradeliberalisation and enhance the country’s exports.
“Our major economic agenda is to increase the country’s exports, whichwould, in turn, help the government overcome trade and current accountdeficit,” the adviser told APP in an exclusive talk.
He said that Pakistan had already signed the second phase of Free TradeAgreement (FTA-II) with China; gaining access to 313 top exportable itemsin the Chinese market.
“After this agreement, all the major exports of the country, includingtextile, leather, agriculture & food and surgical & sports items, would geta better access in the Chinese market,” he added.
The advisor said that the relocation of Chinese industrial units under theFTA-II provided Pakistan with an opportunity to transform its industrialsector.
Replying to a question, he said that the government was now fullyconcentrating on integrating the local market with potential internationalmarkets.
“In this regard, the focus would be on the markets of America, Africa andCentral Asian Region.”
He said that FTAs with Turkey, Thailand, Indonesia and Iran were beingnegotiated, as the government was committed to enhancing its traderelations with these countries.
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The adviser said Japan, Vietnam and South Korea, as well as the otherPacific and South-East Asian markets, would also be connected for tradeenhancement.
He termed transfer of technology and automation of institutions as keydrivers to ensure ‘ease of doing business’ in the country.
On a query, he said that improvement in the World Bank’s EODB ranking wasencouraging as “it would highlight the positive image and attract foreigninvestment” in the country.
Dawood said the WB’s report acknowledged Pakistan for consistently bridgingthe gap between its regulatory environment and global good practices.
“Pakistan’s EODB score improved in seven indicators, including starting abusiness, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity,registering property, protecting minority investors, paying taxes andtrading across borders.”
