"It is completely incorrect reporting that the STPF, which is based on the collective wisdom of 7-8 ministries and private sector stakeholders, has been "scrapped" for being "uninspiring". "Both the claims are incorrect. Neither the ECC rejected the explanation given by the Ministry of Commerce on decline in exports nor has the Prime Minister scrapped the STPF 2015-18.
"The Ministry of Commerce made a presentation to the ECC on the performance of export sector during the year 2014-15 including the reasons for decline in exports. Besides the Ministry of Commerce's own perspective on reasons for a decline in exports, the Ministry had carried out an elaborate exercise of consultation with the stakeholders of top-12 declining products. The presentation based on the ground realities of exports was appreciated by the ECC instead of being "rejected". There was no difference of opinion on any of the reasons for a decline listed in the presentation and the ECC directed the Ministry of Commerce to further analyse the listed reasons to identify the actionable points which is completely opposite to the twisted description in the correspondent's story that the ECC rejected the reasons and asked the Ministry to further analyse the date to ascertain the actual reasons.
"Similarly, the correspondent's claim that the STPF 2015-18 has been scrapped by the Prime Minister for being "uninspiring" is completely ill founded. The STPF 2015-18 has been prepared after a detailed policy research, a yearlong consultation with stakeholders including trade bodies, relevant ministries, provincial governments and public sector business support organisations. The policy framework has been presented to and concurred by the Cabinet Committee on Production and Exports comprising all the relevant Ministers ie Finance, Commerce, Food Security & Research, Industry & Production, Water & Power, Petroleum and Natural Resources. The STPF has been submitted to the Prime Minister for approval."
BR staff reporter MUSHTAQ GHUMMAN adds: official documents reveal that the ECC directed Commerce Ministry to further analyse the data and make concerted effort to boost exports. This reflects the ECC's concerns with respect to the data presented by the Commerce Ministry. Commerce Ministry's clarification just states that it submitted the STPF-2015-18 which has not been approved. This correspondent has reconfirmed the veracity of his report and stands by it.