Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: While lauding the government for announcing an export package worth Rs 180 billion the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders has demanded the size of the package be increased.

The export package is laudable but the allocation should be increased to Rs 360 billion as the existing package has partly supported the exporters, said Patron Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders Shahid Rasheed Butt.

He said that recent terror incidents across the country have dented the confidence of investors, therefore the militants should be dealt with iron hands.

Exports continue to fall hurting the confidence of investors, hitting forex reserves and renewing fears of losing export markets, he added.

Shahid said that exports are stagnant since the last few years and the current export target is unachievable in the current set of circumstances.He feared that imports would continue to leave the country with little options to seek another IMF programme.

He noted that pushing exports to $ 50 billion is not difficult if some steps are taken in the right direction for which political will is needed.

The business leader said that many countries are facing energy crisis, therefore our authorities should stop blaming energy crisis for everything.

The present dismal situation can be changed by ending adhocism, promoting SME sector which covers 96 percent of the businesses, establishing export and import bank, appointment of professionals on key posts and taking some harsh unpopular decisions.