Page 8 - CMA Journal (Mar-Apr 2026)

ICMA: Which export sectors are most at risk, and what measures, including the abolition of the 0.25% Export
decisive steps is the Ministry taking to safeguard key Development Surcharge (EDS) and tariff rationalization
industries like textiles and rice? under the National Tariff Policy 2025–30, which reduces
duties on raw materials and intermediate inputs. It has also
Jam Kamal Khan: Major agricultural and perishable sectors,
worked to ensure more affordable energy for industry,
particularly rice, fruits, vegetables, seafood, and related
revamped the Export Finance Scheme (EFS) to provide
value chains, remain vulnerable amid global shocks and
concessional nancing, and streamlined trade procedures
logistical disruptions, while traditional markets are through the Pakistan Single Window to reduce trade costs. In
tightening purchasing due to risk aversion. To mitigate these
addition, the Export Development Fund (EDF) is being
risks, the government has announced targeted facilitation
reorganized to support industrialization and value-added
measures for key agri exports, including equalization
exports, particularly in textiles, minerals, and SMEs, to
support for rice exporters to enhance liquidity and broaden the export base and strengthen foreign exchange
competitiveness in export markets. The Ministry has earnings.
proactively arranged vessel availability, streamlined port
procedures, and secured alternative routes to reduce export-
related costs and sustain regional trade ows. The Ministry has
ICMA: How is Pakistan repositioning its trade strategy to “
capture new markets and stay competitive globally? proactively arranged vessel
Jam Kamal Khan: Pakistan is focusing on strategic market availability, streamlined
diversi cation, particularly targeting high-growth markets
through ongoing trade initiatives. The Ministry is taking
steps to expand market access through trade diplomacy, port procedures,
strengthening regional and bilateral partnerships, and and secured alternative
encouraging exporters to move into higher-value products
and non-traditional markets in the African, CIS, and ASEAN
regions. Key efforts include strengthening trade routes routes to reduce export-
through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and
new access routes. At the same time, reforms in trade related costs and sustain
facilitation, digitalization, logistics, regulatory compliance, “
quality standards, and intellectual property protections are regional trade flows.
helping reduce the cost and time of doing business, while
improving the global perception, credibility, and value
ICMA: With Middle East tensions escalating, what is the
positioning of Pakistani products in international markets.
Ministry's top contingency plan to secure Pakistan's
ICMA: How do the Strategic Trade Policy Framework and trade and remittances?
tools like the Pakistan Single Window help exporters
Jam Kamal Khan: In light of escalating Middle East tensions,
respond quickly to market shifts, supply chain
the Ministry is prioritizing the diversi cation of export
disruptions, and high sea freight costs?
markets and the establishment of alternative trade routes.
Jam Kamal Khan: The Strategic Trade Policy Framework Key contingency plans include enhancing trade with Central
(STPF) focuses on export development, market Asia through improved access, leveraging the China-
diversi cation, compliance with international standards, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and expanding trade
improved nancing and facilitation measures, and strategic relationships with non-traditional markets. Efforts are also
alliances to help exporters navigate global disruptions. Tools being made to reduce reliance on remittances from the
like the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) streamline customs region by encouraging more balanced economic
procedures, reduce documentation, and provide faster partnerships with countries outside the Middle East.
access to trade information. Together, these reforms reduce Additionally, the government is focusing on streamlining
transaction costs and delays, helping exporters respond trade procedures and improving export nancing
more quickly to market shifts, supply chain disruptions, and mechanisms to safeguard the ow of goods and services,
high sea freight costs while maintaining competitiveness in ensuring stability despite regional disruptions. These
measures aim to maintain economic resilience and secure
global markets.
critical foreign exchange earnings.
ICMA: What trade policy reforms or incentives are being
introduced to boost competitiveness, value addition, The Editorial Board thanks Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, Federal
and sustainable foreign exchange earnings? Minister of Commerce, for sparing his precious time to give an
exclusive interview for Chartered Management Accountant
Jam Kamal Khan: To boost competitiveness and value Journal.
addition, the government has introduced several key

6 ICMA’s Chartered Management Accountant, Mar-Apr 2026