Board of Investment will remove equity restrictions from investments in the services sector.

The construction companies are not in a position to furnish bid bonds and performance bonds to get the contracts as it requires large capital outlays. A fund for the purpose will be created which may act as a collateral for commercial banks to issue the bid and performance bonds.

Country Business image has a strong impact on buyers in sourcing products and services. A start has been made already in this direction with a T.V. campaign last year on BBC and CNN to improve Pakistan's commercial image. This was well received. the effort will be continued with promotional initiatives on a sectoral basis, through sector specialist journalists and opinion leading image building media.

A scheme is being offered under which EPB will hire through professional companies, specialized in the business of warehousing and marketing, in selected foreign countries and offer such space to exporters free of cost for the first year, extendable on a case-to-case basis for the second year, according to eligibility criteria for exporters and for products. Arrangements have been taken in hand for starting up the warehousing operations in Kenya, Poland and Sharjah. In the current year, arrangements will be made for warehousing in more selected countries.

To promote export products, EPB will arrange to hire through professional companies retail space in high-traffic shopping malls in major commercial capitals of the world. Such space will be made available to exporters, selected on a pre-determined criteria agreed between the EPB and stakeholders of different products on a 50:50 charge basis. Management of such space and retail sales will be outsourced to reputed well established Retail Chain Store companies.

Brand name is an important component in export marketing and carries the respective image of product, quality and business-related services. Branded products usually attract higher price advantage. Established brand names in foreign markets are often available for purchase or franchising. A new scheme will be launched to enable exporters to acquire/franchise brand names. Support will be provided to exporting companies for obtaining bank loans at 6 months Treasury Bills auction rate + 2% under the prudential regulations of SBP.

An annual Mega Event will be held in Karachi Expo Centre, and Lahore Expo Centre (when complete), to be called EXPO PAKISTAN. In this exposition, all products of Pakistan with an export potential will be put on display and export-related seminars would be held. This event will be widely publicized. Selected foreign buyers, buying houses and trade specialist media will be invited to the EXPO as guests.

At present State Bank of Pakistan allows retention by the exporters to the extent of 5% of their export earnings for international advertisements, commission, etc. To allow greater facility to exporters for marketing and promotions, It has been decided to enhance such retention to 10%.

An Export Facilitation Inter-Ministerial Committee will be established, comprising the Ministers of Finance, Commerce, Industries & Production, Investment & Privatization, the Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Secretary Commerce and Chairman EPB. Secretary Commerce will also act as the Secretary of the Committee. The Committee will meet at least once in a quarter and oversee the progress and also the implementation of trade policy. It will also be responsible to resolve all irritants faced by the business and export community.

A Skills Development Council in EPB will be responsible for overseeing and managing the training institutes established under EDF for improving the technical, managerial skills in various export related sectors.

EPB will be re-organized to increase its effectiveness. The marketing arm of EPB will be corporatized. This organisation will focus on export of agricultural and industrial products and services.

EPB will open a new office at Gawadar to cater to the needs of the newly created special economic zone.

The need for compliance with ISO standards is already well-recognized and a large number of Pakistani companies are already certified for ISO-9000, many of them with financial assistance from EPB and the Ministry of Science and Technology. EPB will prepare and publish a directory of ISO-certified companies in Pakistan. Financial assistance for acquiring ISO certification will be continued.

To reduce cost of electricity for industrial sectors, WAPDA / KESC will be allow ?off peak hour rates? and ?bulk rates? for industrial consumers.

Export under claim for rebate/duty draw back is allowed through two land routes only i.e Torkham and Chaman. In order to facilitate businessmen on both sides, additional land routes may be introduced in consultation with the Governments of NWFP and Balochistan.

Establishment of Gold Assaying/Hallmarking facility is required for quality control & certification of jewellery. In collaboration with the London Assaying Office, A similar facility will be set up in Karachi.

A major requirement of textile and leather export industries is waste water treatment and management of toxic wastes for protection of environment. Waste water treatment plants can not be afforded by individual exporters. Such plants will be set up, on a collective and cooperative basis, in cluster cities of Karachi(Korangi, SITE, Landhi, Hub), Lahore( Kot Lakhpat, Raiwind/Manga Road), Kotri(Nuriabad), Multan, Faisalbad, Gujranwala, Hattar and Peshawar. These plants will be financed from the Up-gradation fund

The import of plant and machinery for environmental control is at present exempt from sales tax but is subject to customs duty of 10%. Such plant, machinery, equipment, spares and consumables will be subjected to the lowest duty rate of 5%.

Priority needs to be accorded to educating our manufacturers and exporters about WTO Trade Rules particularly about full liberalization of International Trade in textiles and clothing. It has been decided:

1. to establish a WTO Directorate in EPB for creating awareness among the stakeholders and get feed back from them on WTO related issues.
2. to enhance capability in the National Tariff Commission in the spheres of Anti dumping and Countervailing Duties and Safeguard Measures as well as assisting stakeholders in filing their applications with NTC.

The environment for enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in Pakistan is a source of concern to a number of our trading partners and is a serious disincentive for potential foreign investors. It is important that the issue of IPRs is addressed urgently. Establishment of Intellectual Property Rights Organization (PIPRO) is already approved. Proceed with the required legislation so that PIPRO will be start functioning immediately.

To recognize and reward exporters who achieve high performance in exports, a package of incentives will be provided. This will include grant of civil awards on Pakistan Day and Independence Day and Prime Minister?s Gold Medals, according to predetermined criteria.

Government had allowed 25% freight subsidy on products whose total exports in any of the preceding three years (1999-00 to 2001-02) were not more than US$ 5 million, and, for all products exported to countries where our average annual exports in the preceding three years were not more than US$ 10 million. The scheme has been instrumental in product diversification and geographic expansion of exports. It A scheme will be continued till June 30, 2004.

At present, imports of samples of no commercial value are allowed to manufacturers-cum-exporters, at zero duty under PCT heading 9910, subject to the condition of individual value not exceeding US$ 50 and provided there is not more than one sample of each kind or quality. Individual value limit for such samples will be raised to US$ 100. Individual cases beyond the increased value limit of $100 will be considered by CBR on the recommendation of EPB.

At present, vegetable ghee in tins up to 5 Kg is allowed to be exported under claim for duty draw back. Export of ghee in 16 Kg packs will be allowed.

In order to leverage the export potential of agri products and fisheries, it has been decided to establish the following:

• Agriculture Export Processing Zones ? Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, Mirpur Khas, Peshawar
• Apple Treatment Plant at Quetta ? Grading, polishing & packaging
• Date Processing Plant at Turbat, DI Khan & Khairpur
• Shrimp farming facility in Baluchistan
• Fish Processing, Hatcheries and Canning Plants at Karachi, Gawadar & Pasni
• Collection points and cold storage facilities for fruits and vegetables esp. grapes ? in Baluchistan & NWFP
• Organic Foods promotion ? mapping & certification
• Potatoes and onions ? dehydration, cold chain, timely export management

PACKAGED RICE

At present, concessional rate of income tax at 0.75% is applicable to export of branded rice in packs of 5 Kg only. The facility will be extended to all branded packs of rice upto 50 KG. In this context, a brand definition and procedure will be developed .

Two Special Export Zones will be established, one at Karachi and the other in one of the industrial cities of Punjab. These zones will be owned and operated by corporate entities, in which GOP, multilateral institutions and the stakeholders would be equity partners. The Commercial banks will be encouraged to arrange financing under the SBP prudential regulations at 6 months Treasure auction rate plus 2%. These zones would have modern infrastructure like water supply, severage, self power generation and effluent treatment plants. These zones will be focusing on textile sector particularly in dyeing, processing and finishing sectors.

To meet the challenges of WTO rules based trade regime, particularly the elimination of quantitative restrictions on international trade in textile and clothing following the abolition of textile quotas from 1st January 2005, there is an urgent need to enter into joint ventures with reputed foreign companies, especially in the garments sector. Three Garment Cities in Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad will be established. These Garment Cities will be owned and operated by corporate entities in which GOP, multilateral institutions and the stakeholders would be equity partners. The Commercial Banks will be encouraged to arrange financing under the SBP prudential regulations at 6 months treasury bills rate plus 2%. These cities will be provided infrastructure including sheds and will provide one window facility for the SMEs. The SMEs would only be for value added finished textile products. These cities will serve as the trend setters.

Commercial representatives abroad are vital to effective export development and trade diplomacy. Regional Trade Commissioners will be appointed for the six regions, namely, The Americas, European Union, Africa, Far East, Middle East and Central Asia. They will be guiding the country representatives in the promotion of exports.

Pakistan, being a developing country, is pursuing policies directed towards rapid economic uplift of the country. Accordingly, emphasis of Import Trade Regime has been on stimulation and acceleration of industrial development with special emphasis on export oriented, and high tech industrialization as well as modernization of agriculture sector for creating employment opportunities with the ultimate objective of achieving higher standard of living for the people of Pakistan in Pakistan

The Import Trade Regime of Pakistan, therefore aims at:

1. un-interrupted supply of adequate raw materials to the industries;
2. facilitating liberal import of machinery for industrial development;
3. availability of essential commodities for the general consumers;
4. providing a measure of competition to the informal channel;
5. facilitating inflow of latest technology into the country; and
6. increasing efficiency of the domestic industry by gradually exposing it to the international competition.

With the above objectives in view and in line with the export strategy being pursued and also to meet the post 2004 WTO era, and conclusion drawn from the trade performance during 2002-2003, the following decisions, have been taken in consultations with the Trade and Industry and all concerned Ministries / Divisions, Departments and Organizations in order to further streamline, simplify and liberalize the Import Regime

The above ceiling for import against foreign currency demand draft will be dispensed with as part of the foreign exchange liberalization policy to facilitate the stakeholders in the intentional trade.

Presently actual users are permitted to import any item/ items provided the total value does not exceed US$ 5000 in one fiscal year. It has been decided to do away with the monetary ceiling as part of foreign exchange liberalization policy.

It has been decided to import of goods for demonstration purposes on import cum export basis for a limited period, involving items permissible for import, without recourse to the Ministry of Commerce, against submission of indemnity bond or bank guarantee to the satisfaction of the Customs Authorities.

Import of goods for repairs and re-export irrespective of import status will be allowed. For the purpose of repairing and its subsequent re-export, with a view to enhance the export of engineering services, subject to the submission of indemnity bond or bank guarantee to the Customs Authorities to ensure re-export of the same within the specified period.

As per current Import Trade & Procedures Order, import of specialized machinery mounted on vehicles/machinery like crane lorries, concrete mixers lorries, mobile concrete pumps, oil well logging trucks, seismic vibrators, seismic acquisition equipment, production testing equipment, concrete batching plant, concrete transit mixers etc., are banned for import in secondhand condition. These specialized vehicles / construction machinery/equipment are required by the Exploration and Production Companies and construction companies for various projects in Pakistan.

In order to facilitate the working of Exploration and Production Companies, It has been decided to allow import cum export of above machinery/equipment/specialized vehicles etc., (excluding super saloon cars, luxury vehicles and station wagons) on the recommendation of the Regulatory Authority against submission of indemnity bond or bank guarantee to the Custom Authorities to ensure re-export of the same after the completion of the project.

The same facility will be extended to the construction companies working in Pakistan on various projects on the recommendations of the sponsoring government agencies to boost the construction activities in the country.

Import of used/secondhand machinery will be allowed, irrespective of import status on completion of overseas project by Pakistani companies (excluding super saloon cars, luxury vehicles and station wagons etc.) provided such machinery has actually been purchased from their own foreign exchange earnings abroad, used on the foreign project and profit earned from the project repatriated to Pakistan through official channels. A certificate from the concerned Pakistan Mission confirming the actual use of such machinery on the project will be submitted to the Customs Authorities at the time of import.

Presently Export Promotion Bureau is designed to provide services to the exporters for promotion of exports, while there are no specific services to cater the needs of importers. There is an urgent need to create an organization/cell, which would provide guidelines/services to the importers to effect cost effective imports. On the other hand increase of I% in exports requires lot of efforts involving monetary & non-monetary efforts.

It has been decided to introduce import Management Service in EPB for guiding importers in effecting cost-effective imports.

Overseas Pakistani are allowed to send goods which are permitted for import from their own foreign exchange earnings abroad without involvement of Letters of Credits.

In order to facilitate the clearance of above goods in Pakistan, the consignees will be given Exemption from Sales Tax Registration. The clearance of these goods will however be allowed subject to the production of an earning certificate from the Trade Officer of the respective Pakistan Mission. In case there is no Trade Officer in the foreign Mission, any designated officer of the Mission may issue such a certificate.

Presently Import Trade and Procedures Order allow import of secondhand or used medical equipment dialysis machines, reverse osmosis equipment and other similar electro medical equipment not older than 5 years old.

To facilitate availability of such equipment at cheaper prices, this facility will be extended to the Overseas returning Pakistani doctors under Transfer of Residence Scheme.

Secondhand /used forklift trucks irrespective of weighing capacity are banned for import in secondhand condition. These trucks are commonly used in many industrial unit for loading and unloading of goods within the industrial premises. On confirmation from the EDB that forklift above 5 tons are not manufactured locally.

Import of used fork lift trucks above 5 tons capacity will now be allowed.

As per current Import Trade and Procedures Order, import of secondhand boiler is not allowed. It has been the consistent demand of the industry to allow import of used boilers, as the new boilers are very expensive.

Import of boilers not older than 5 years will be allowed to industrial consumers only subject to prior approval of Chief Inspector of Boilers to ensure that the said boiler is fit for industrial use and is not life hazardous.

As per current Import Trade and Procedures Order certain used, Agricultural Machinery like spray guns and other appliances for dispersing or spraying liquids or powders, spraying lorries/sprinklers etc., are banned for import in used condition.

Import of agricultural machinery mentioned above will be allowed for development of agriculture sector.

Presently import of waste, seconds, and cuttings of stainless steel sheets and plates of AISI-300 and A1SI-400 series are importable. The manufacturers have approached this Ministry to allow import of AISI-200 series stainless steel sheets and plates recently developed by USA for use in various components of foods, utensils, surgical, swords, knife and cutlery industry.

It has been decided to add AISI-200 series in the list of importable items also.

Currently used instruments and equipment for laboratory, surveying and other purposes are banned for import. New apparatus/equipment are expensive and are also not manufactured locally.

After consulting Ministry of Industries & Production and Engineering Development Board, import of these equipment will be allowed used for laboratory, surveying and other purposes.

Import of Seeds, Plants etc Under Certification of Department Plant Protection/Federal Seed Certification Agency

In order to ensure freedom from pests/diseases, import of sugar cane seeds, banana and suckers, vegetable seeds, seed potatoes, flower seeds and other field crops seeds including tubers, rhizomes, etc. will be allowed subject to drawing of seeds samples and testing quality by the Department of Plant Protection, besides the Federal Seed Certification Agency.

Import will be allowed of all species of plants and parts thereof whether living or dead, stems, branches, tubers, bulbs, corms, stock, bud-wood, layers, slips, suckers, green scum on stagnant pool, leaves fruits etc., subject to drawing of seeds samples and testing quality by the Department of Plant Protection and by the Federal Seed Certificate Agency.

Presently import of insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, disinfectants etc., is importable in accordance with the provisions of the Agricultural Pesticides Ordinance 1971. The said ordinance has been amended through Amendment Act 1992 and Amendment Act 1997.

The provision in the IT&PO will be amended accordingly.

Presently import of chemical precursors having dual uses like acetone and propanone, acetic anhydride, acetyl chloride etc., are importable by the concerned industrial consumers who have been cleared by the Narcotics Control Division. Maximum quantity importable by an industrial unit in one year is determined by the CBR. Import of these chemicals will be allowed on their recommendation as well besides Narcotics Control Division and CBR.

The provision in the Import Trade & Procedures Order will be amended accordingly.

Import of Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, Ergomentrine etc. will be allowed, to the concerned industrial consumer also on their recommendation, as these drugs are internationally controlled substances and are required to be regulated through issuance of import authorization. The licences manufacturers cannot be allowed to import these materials without quantitative restriction. Presently these chemicals are importable by only those pharmaceutical units having drugs manufacturing licence.

The Import Trade & Procedures Order will be amended accordingly.

Presently import of all narcotics drugs and substances are importable by only those pharmaceutical units having valid drugs manufacturing licence. Import of the same will be made on the recommendation of Ministry of health as these drugs are internationally control substances and are required to be regulated through the issuance of import authorization. The licences pharmaceutical manufactures cannot be allowed to import these materials without quantitative restriction.

Import Trade & Procedures Order will be amended accordingly.

According to International Agency of Research in Cancer (IARC) Arsenic and Arsenic compounds are carcinogenic US EPA has classified Arsenic compounds viz-arsenic disulfide arsenic pent oxide, arsenic trichloride, arsenic triodide and arsenic trisulfide as hazardous substances.

In order to monitor and regulate the import of Arsenic and Arsenic compounds, the import of Arsenic and Arsenic compounds will be restricted to concern industrial consumers who have valid licenses issued by the concerned EPAs/EPD under PEPA 1997.

In compliance with the conditions of Montreal Protocol Agreement of which the government of Pakistan is also one of the signatory, import of CFC based refrigerators and deep freezers was disallowed in the last year?s Trade Policy.

INCOTERMs, will be introduced according to the practice of International Chamber of Commerce, in import-export business/laws for global integration.

I shall conclude by saying that we have unfolded the blueprint for our business community to put Pakistan firmly on the path to economic progress. We have to work together, private sector as field players and primary achievers; public sector as facilitators. With this combination, the day is not far when Pakistan will, Inshallah, be a force to reckon with in the world of trade and commerce.