ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Minister for Commerce Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan Friday informed the National Assembly that the government reduced power tariff to Rs 3 per unit for the industrial sector from January 1 to enhance the country’s exports.
Replying to various supplementary questions during Question Hour, the minister said that the decision was taken on the directives of the Prime Minister after his meeting with the representatives of exporter associations.
He said that the exports of Pakistan crossed US$ 25 billion for the first time and recorded growth of 3.5 per cent in the FY 2014.
However, country’s exports are witnessing decline since the last financial year due to commodity price declining trend at international level.
He said that due to the said factor in FY 2014-15, exports of Pakistan recorded negative growth and stood at $ 23.885 billion.
He said that record 393,000 tons kinnos (oranges) were exported besides potatoes during the last year.
The minister said that the government has taken various initiatives to enhance exports including that of kinos and potatoes. Ministry of Commerce has established Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) to promote exports of fruits including kinos.
A Citrus Development Board is also being formed for development of citrus sector, he added.
He said Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is also undertaking various export promotional activities through trade exhibitions and delegations.
Source: APP
