Govt pushes China for tariff concessions

Pakistan is pressing China for better tariff treatment as it seeks stronger preferential trade access across several major markets, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan told exporters on Thursday. The countries in focus also include South Korea, Türkiye, Japan and Vietnam. Khan said negotiations on preferential trade arrangements with South Korea were advancing, while contacts with other partners continued through diplomatic and bilateral channels.

Exporters also discussed industrial energy expenses, including the gas levy, and were told that a Finance Ministry committee with public- and private-sector representatives would examine the levy’s policy and calculation method. Participants raised Punjab’s infrastructure cess, certification expenses and repeated paperwork amendment fees, and suggested super tax relief tied to export income. The meeting also covered Export Facilitation Scheme eligibility and procedures, business visa limits and insurance expenses.