The Chairman Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Tariq Ikram, said that transparency and clear roadmap played a key role to put exports to $ 5.2 billion in the first half of the current fiscal despite 9/11 debacle and this journey of progress would continue slowly but steadily.

In his address to the executive members of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) Tariq Ikram said that economy was on the right track which has pushed up GDP rates to 4.5 percent and brought inflation rate as low as single digit. He termed this development as a change for good. The EPB Chairman termed the progress as a relative term and noted that Pakistan has made substantial progress at all the fronts during the last three years, including exports. He added that still a long way was ahead for Pakistan to hit the future target.

In his welcome address, ICCI President Mian Akram Farid listed a number of hurdles faced by the trader's community of Islamabad and demanded for their immediate removal.

Tariq Ikram told the participants that the government policy of exploring new international markets to enhance exports of non-traditional items has worked well and added $ 750 million to exports. The Chairman EPB mentioned two areas in particular, which have shown relatively more progress in the first half of the current fiscal year. First, export of non-traditional items, which contributed 270 million and the second, was textile sector. Textile sector has added $ 475 million to the country's exports.

Tariq Ikram listed 10 areas, which were being given special focus to make full advantage of the international market and pick more benefits. These include IT, Fishery, marble, gem and jewelry, chemical, pharmaceutical, engineering goods, services and poultry, and this strategy has resulted in substantial increase in exports to Saudi Arabia, Kenya and UAE.

The Chairman EPB told the meeting that he would personally look into the matter of meat shortage and suggest ways and means for the protection of local meat sellers.

Tariq Ikram assured that the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) was ready to cater to all needs and requirements of the business community of the capital to encourage them for more export. He also announced 50 percent funds for the proposed display centre of the ICCI. On the occasion Mian Akram Farid, Khan Abbas Khan and Munawar Mughal showed the site for the proposed display centre to the Chairman EPB.

In his address, the ICCI President urged the need for revamping tax machinery, besides cutting down rates of electricity and gas to make Pakistani products competitive in the international market. He proposed that the government should setup export processing zones in all big cities to cut down production cost and make the products competitive in the international market. Mian Farid drew the attention of the Chairman EPB that the Central Board of Revenue (CBR) was delaying payment of rebate on exported goods to the exporters.

The President ICCI told the Chairman EPB that the Margalla dry was being set up to offer facilities regarding exports to the business community of the capital and suburban areas. He believed that this project would be completed with in a short span of six months