Daily Times

The government is putting all possible measures in place to promote ‘export culture’ in Pakistan as no country can progress without it.

Prime Minister’s Advisor for Commerce, Textile, Industry and Production, and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood expressed these views, while addressing the opening session of First International Cement Conference (INTERCEM) at a local hotel on Tuesday.

All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) Chairman Sayeed Saigol, Senior Vice Chairman Farid Fazal, Mian Muhammad Mansha, INTERCEM Chairman and a large number local and foreigners from cement sector were also present.

Abdul Razak added that when PTI took over government, the industry in general and export industry in particular was suffering due to multiple input and other deficiencies especially the gas and electricity. Keeping the importance of industry and exports for economic growth, the government had resolved the industry’s major problem of energy- gas and electricity. Now the process of de-industrialization was being reversed and exports were jacking up, he maintained.

He said that efforts were afoot to encourage ‘Made in Pakistan’ culture in the world, asserting that increased exports would lead the country to speedy economic development. He said the government was extending all possible support to industrial sector and providing the export-oriented industry with low-tariff gas and electricity.

Later, talking to media, the PM’s Advisor said that holding of international exhibitions with active participation of foreigners was a good omen for Pakistan and in this way the outer world looked us in a better manner.

“Active participation of a large number of foreigners in the first international cement conference (INTERCEM) is an ample proof of world’s confidence in Pakistan,” he observed.

Abdul Razak Dawood said that cement industry was very important sector of Pakistan economy and mentioned that at present, cement industry’s production is 55 million tons and it will soon attain the target of 70 million tons per annum. Pakistan cement industry was also eying 20 million tons exports from the current five million tons. “If Pakistan cement sector achieves its 20 million tons export target, country’s export revenue will enhance by 600 million US dollars to one billion US dollars,” he maintained.

He said that overall, cement industry having good market players was performing well and had no major issues however, “I will do my best to resolve their patty issues and facilitate this industry further.”

About clinker export to India, he said that clinker was very cheap and a low-cost transportation method around the globe.

He also ruled out provision of any subsidy by the government to cement industry with the launch of five million homes project, citing that country’s cement industry had already been exporting its production; therefore, the need of subsidy was out of question.

To a question, he said that second phase of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China would be worked out till June 2019.

To another query, he expressed firm resolve that government would grasp the economic constraints, however, it would take time as there was no short-cut for durable solutions to economic ills.

Abdul Razaq Dawood also formally opened the three-day conference by cutting the ribbon and took a round of stalls set up by cement industry players.

Published in Daily Times, November 14^th 2018.