Addressing a seminar at the prestigious Institute for International Economics, the Federal Minister pleaded for reduction of barriers for conduct of business.
In Pakistan, he said the government's focus is now to develop manufacturing and services capabilities through a competitive environment. "We are in the process of compiling trade competitiveness indicators for the economy which will internationally benchmark the cost of doing business in Pakistan."
"We have made unilateral liberalisation of trade an important economic policy objective and will continue to pursue an agenda to provide economic freedom and reduce barriers for the conduct of business."
On multilateral talks, the minister said Pakistan's foremost interest is to ensure rapid progress in multilateral negotiations.
With the Hong Kong ministerial just a week away, he said "it is an opportune moment to recall our objectives."
"We support rapid reduction in global trade barriers."
"Pakistan favours ambitious reforms in agriculture trade through reduction in domestic support, elimination of export subsidies and substantial tariff reduction."
He said Pakistan is part of the G-20 coalition "which we consider a forum that is in line with DDA objectives as a platform for high ambition level in removing barriers to trade in agriculture."
In non-agriculture goods, he said Pakistan hopes to see major reduction in tariffs especially those that address tariff peaks in products of interest to us.
"This is particularly important, as Pakistan does not belong to any major regional trade group. We hope to maintain similar ambition level in the area of services."
He said Pakistan has particular interest in tightening of rules for anti-dumping.
"We hope that all member countries of the WTU will keep their focus on the significant long-term benefit of trade liberalisation and not succumb to the path of least resistance and give in to special interests."
Besides Pakistan Ambassador Jehangir Karamat, those attending the seminar were noted economists and institute experts Shahid Javed Burki, Gary Hufbaur, Marcus Nolad, Gregory Sadowski, John Williamson; as well as Beth Stewart and Arshad Gilani of General Electric Corporation, Haroon Cheema of Merck & Co, and James Walker of USAID.