ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Commerce Minister Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan on Monday said that during the present government, the Country’s exports increased by 37 percent while the exports to the European Union increased by 1.7 billion euro annually.
Responding during the question hour in the National Assembly on Monday, the minister said that until September 2016 – almost 37 months of the incumbent government – the exports of the Country increased by 37 percent, adding that the exports to EU increased by 1.7 billion euro annually, owing to boost in readymade garments.
The minister informed the House that the quantity of knitwear exports from the Country increased by 15 percent in June-July (2015-16) and 18 percent in July-November (2015-16) compared to corresponding period of last year respectively.
Responding to a question, the minister said that during June-July (2015-16), the bed-wear exports in terms of quantity also increased by one percent, towel by 3 percent and readymade garments by 4 garments.
While during July-November (2015-16) the bed-wear exports increased by 8 percent while the exports of towel decline by 9 percent and readymade garments by 1 percent, he said.
Khurram Dastgir said that the reason for reducing exports from the Country in dollar terms was the declining price trend in the international market. He said that the exports of Pakistan’s value added items had decreased by 15.9 percent since the year 2013-14.
Furthermore, the minister said that EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Plus Status for Pakistan will remain intact until December 31, 2023.
The minister further told the House the incentive was being provided on special incentives for good governance and sustainable development.
The minister informed the House that the trend in exports was now picking up as the law and order situation in the Country had considerably improved and the industry was also provided with uninterrupted supply of electricity and gas.
Khurram Dastgir said that in addition, the farmers were also provided agriculture package and the momentum had been generated which would help promote exports. He informed the House that the farmers were provided better prices of their commodities, particularly cotton and rice.
