He said the initial draft of STPF would be designed in March, and consultations with the stakeholders in this regard are being made for the last three months. The STPF (2018-23) would be implemented by July this year. Maximum space is being given to the input and suggestions of the private sector stakeholders in the entire processes of this 5-year STPF formation, he told.
Dagha said that export policies were introduced previously which remained not so effective due to flaws and shortcomings; however, we would remove shortcomings in the upcoming export policy. Elaborating he said that the government's focus is on brining investment in agro processing and livestock particularly poultry and meat sectors which he said have a great potential in the country.
Our exports remained under pressure in previous years, however for the last seven months; we witnessed a 12 to 13 percent growth in exports which is a good omen for the country and this must continue. However he attributed the growth to the Prime Minister's Rs 180 billion incentive package for the export industry. Other than the traditional markets, we are focusing on export diversifications and for the first time we are giving some 2 percent incentives to those exporters who are exporting goods to the new markets, Dagha said.
Responding to a query regarding trade with Iran, the Secretary said some international sanctions and non revival of banking channels were the major impediments behind smooth trade between the two neighbouring countries, but we are trying to resolve the issue of banking transactions revival. To another question, the secretary said traders' refund issues with Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) are being resolved as Federal Finance Advisor Miftah Ismail has announced to settle the issue within the next three months.