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The National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce, chaired by Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, met at Parliament House to assess Pakistan’s trade agreements, export performance, and the growing trade deficit with China.
During the briefing, the Ministry of Commerce revealed that Pakistan imported goods worth USD 17 billion from China in 2024–25, while exports stood at only USD 2.7 billion. Members warned that sending raw materials like copper and cotton abroad while importing costly finished goods is unsustainable. They emphasized the urgent need for value-added production in textiles, minerals, and meat, which alone carries an export potential of USD 5 billion.
Officials highlighted progress under Phase III of the Pakistan-China FTA, noting that 15 SPS and TBT protocols have been signed and concessions granted on 700 items. Plans are also underway to establish a Green Channel at Khunjerab. Even so, members pressed for tighter accountability of trade officials and stronger use of international platforms to showcase Pakistani products.
The committee extended its review to FTAs with Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and other South Asian nations. It acknowledged growth in seafood, maize, and textiles under the Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement but voiced concern that upcoming floods could disrupt agricultural exports.
On the Pakistan–Sri Lanka FTA, members appreciated the expansion of trade through concessions on over 80% of tariff lines. However, they cautioned that outdated frameworks, high energy costs, and dependence on low-value exports continue to limit the benefits of Pakistan’s FTAs and PTAs.
Domestically, the committee resolved the long-standing matter of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). It confirmed KCCI’s status as the premier chamber while clearing the way for new district chambers to operate without undermining its role. The case of the North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI), whose license lapsed in 2019, was also discussed. The committee referred it to the federal government for consideration.
In addition, members demanded swift action on the delayed S.R.O. 760 and urged the creation of a dedicated regulatory authority for gemstones and jewelry. They pointed to India and Bangladesh as successful regional examples.
Concluding the session, the committee stressed that structural reforms, stronger institutional support, and a shift toward value-added exports are critical to ensuring long-term trade sustainability and improving Pakistan’s global competitiveness.
