By Uzma Zafar
ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday stressed the need for value addition of the country’s exports to attract international market and increase revenue.
Addressing at International Rawal Expo Virtual Conference organized by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the president said textiles and rice being the top-level exports could become main driver of growth in the country’s overall exports with value-addition. President Alvi said the current global situation proffered the nation an opportunity to invest in emerging technologies, diversity of economy, cost-reduction and enhance sales.
He mentioned that smart lockdown strategy, Ehsaas cash emergency programme and the prudent response of general public helped reduce the economic impact of coronavirus pandemic.
He said the government was in action to improve the yields of cotton, wheat and rice, however stressed an effective strategy by producers as well for increased marketing. The president mentioned five levels from raw cotton to branded apparel, which he said ensured surprising jump in profit with final outcome.
He said the government had responsibility to facilitate traders and businessmen and reduce their problems, mostly relating to administrative hurdles.
He expressed the belief that Pakistan’s economic potential and dividends could be reaped through a system in-place that provided ease-of-doing business. He also stressed the importance of a fair dealing system between traders and buyers for economic stability. Dr Alvi said it was important for businessmen to maintain a link with commercial counselors abroad through Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help sort out issues related to tariffs. He expressed the confidence that the 10-day Expo would provide the stakeholders a platform to explore the promising opportunities in the markets of Pakistan.
Earlier, President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday said Pakistan remained steadfast in the peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute and asked the world peace bodies to play their role in the wake of worsening human rights situation in the occupied Valley.
He was addressing a special 3-D projector event here at the lawns of Parliament House, whose building was illuminated in the colours of Kashmir to express solidarity with the Kashmiris. President Alvi said the responsibility of shaking the world conscience not only lay upon the government, but also on the entire nation to act in solidarity with the Kashmiris. He lauded Prime Minister Imran Khan for effectively fighting the case of Kashmiris at the international platforms and for updating the world about the ongoing Indian atrocities on the innocent Kashmiris.
