KARACHI: Engr. Daroo Khan Achakzai, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) urged the government to assign exports targets to commercial counselors of Pakistan posted abroad. [the_ad id=”32940″]During the last years, the share of Pakistan’s exports to various regions has declined particularly in OIC declined to 17.4 percent compared to 29 percent in 2012, South America declined to 1.2 percent compared to 1.5 percent in 2012, Asia region declined to 38 percent compared to 52 percent in 2012 and Africa declined to 6.3 percent from 7.5 percent in 2013.
In a press statement, he stated that at present the contribution of Commercial Counselors is insignificant in enhancement of Pakistan’s exports compared to neighboring India and Bangladesh whose exports are continuously rising in these regions.
He further stated that Commercial Counselors should play their due role and regularly share the country market related information with the concerned trade organizations.
Achakzai said the trade missions should open display centers at their embassy/consulate and also enhance participation in trade exhibitions in the country of their posting. He said that government should regularly review the performance of Commercial Counselors for enhancement of Pakistan’s export of traditional and non-traditional items. At present, there are 20 Commercial Counselors in Asia, 8 in Middle East, 16 in Europe and four in African Region.
He urged the government to ask the Commercial Counselors to keep liaison with Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).