Product competitiveness is the right recipe to make a strong presence in global market but our Government have planned to impose different charges on outward cargo which would decrease Pakistan’s product competitiveness.

Government should not impose exorbitant cargo charges on exporters because it is high time to focus on sustainable growth in exports arena, Yassar Sakhi Butt, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has stated this in a statement.

He said that Anti Narcotics Force has imposed wrapping charges of Rs.200 to Rs.300 on outward cargo while Civil Aviation Authority have also imposed handling facility charges which will be an extra burden on exports as they were already facing colossal losses due to prevailing energy crises.

ICCI president said that Government should emphasize on making the country a hub of regional economic activities by facilitating exports instead of imposing massive charges on their export consignments.

He said that the major stakeholders should be taken into confidence before imposing such arbitrary charges. He also expressed concern over the condition of 100 percent physical examination of export consignments imposed by European Union even after full inspection at domestic level. He said that export orders would be delayed due to these conditions and country’s exports would not grow as targeted.
 
Yassar Sakhi Butt called upon the Government for taking proactive measures for enhancing exports through facilitating exporters rather than imposition of massive cargo charges, so that exports of the country could be increased for narrowing trade deficit.