AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Karachi, July 24, 2012 (PPI-OT): The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) invited the attention of federal minister of commerce (MOC) Makhdum Amin Fahim that the SME sector is expecting a positive SME friendly trade policy and urged him to ensure inclusion of SME friendly policies as it is the majority sector and deserves his best attention and the sector needs support of the government to meet the global challenges.
President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver conveyed to the MOC the non fulfilment of promises made to the sector and non implementation of the SME policy in letter and spirit. He said the MOC promised to make the SME – Export House as per the Turkish model for promotion of goods manufactured by SMEs and accordingly a study was completed and steering committee constituted but the matter has remained in doldrums.
Likewise the MOC in line with the SME policy promised to set up the office of SME Ombudsman for quick redressal of grievances. He also reminded the MOC of its plans for the establishment of SME Institute for training of SMEs in logistics, packing and printing technology and export-import procedures.
The Union invited the attention of the MOC of its commitment to remove the conflict of interest in the pre-shipment inspection of rice by the Quality Review Committee (QRC) and to make it fair, independent and transparent by making it third party. The Union has urged the MOC to use its influence on the ministry of finance and allow import of alternate energy systems, farm equipments , fertilizers and machinery duty free.
The importers are finding that the import of machinery, raw material, packing material has become very expensive due to depreciation of Pakistani rupee and to overcome the impact the import duties be reduced proportionately as the government duty collection revenue has increases due to the exchange rate and relief should be given to the importers.
The trade policy needs to facilitate and reward the exporters by giving them tax benefits and incentives should be given to exporters of non traditional goods to non traditional markets. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) needs to adopt a targeted policy for enhancing exports by arranging exhibitions and displays of goods and arrange festivals in different countries to promote the Pakistani goods.
Finally the Union expressed deep concern on the free list for imports and stated that the local industry is suffering due to imports of goods which are manufactured in Pakistan in sufficient quantities yet are imported causing setback to local industry. The Union demands tariff protection and urged MOC to protect the local industry.
For more information, Contact:
Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME)
75/1 3rd Commercial Street,
Phase IV, D.H.A., Karachi, Pakistan
Email: unisame@gmail.com
Phones + 92 35884225 and 6
Fax + 92 35380642
Cell Phones + 92 300 8245307 and + 92 321 8245307