By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE — Chairman, National Tariff Commission (NTC), Dr. Jawwad Uwais Agha, said that the Commission is fully open to industrialists and the business community, and every case will be reviewed personally and decided quickly on merit to protect local industry from unfair international competition. He said that under the Prime Minister’s vision, the Commission has expanded its outreach, and instead of formal letters, industries will now be given quick relief through direct contact. He added that domestic industry will be fully protected through anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures.
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He was addressing a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol welcomed the distinguished guest. Vice President Khurram Lodhi, Executive Committee members Rana Nisar, Amir Ali, Syed Hassan Raza, Ehtisham Ul Haq, Shouban Akhtar, and Ahad Ameen Malik, along with representatives of various associations and a large number of business community members, were present.
In his address, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that the National Tariff Commission is playing a key role in protecting local industry, and the business community appreciates its efforts. He said that if National Tariff Policy implemented effectively, it can become a game changer for Pakistan’s industry. However, he warned that the lack of clear distinction between raw materials, intermediate goods, and finished goods is creating distortions in the tariff structure, which need immediate correction.
Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol proposed a sector-wise approach, balanced duty structure, and zero duty on raw materials that are not available locally, so that production costs can be reduced and industries can become more competitive. He also expressed concerns over FTAs and PTAs, saying that in the past, local industry suffered losses, so consultation with stakeholders in future agreements is essential.
He further said that a comprehensive and balanced tariff system is necessary to promote local industry, reduce import dependence, and increase value addition in Pakistan. He stressed that local raw materials should be given proper protection and ambiguities in PCT codes should be removed to prevent misuse between raw materials and finished goods.
Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that a large consumer market like Pakistan, with a population of 250 million, should not be turned into just an import market, but should be developed into a hub for local industry and manufacturing. He added that while forming tariff policy, a balanced approach is needed between consumer interests, protection of local industry, and international competition.
Chairman NTC Dr. Jawwad Uwais Agha further said that the main objective of the Commission is to promote fair competition in the country, where neither local industry suffers unfair losses nor anyone gets unnecessary advantage. He said that if any country harms Pakistani industry through dumping or subsidies, the Commission takes immediate action to protect local manufacturers.
He added that the National Tariff Commission is being rapidly digitalized to ensure quick processing of applications and to avoid unnecessary delays for the business community. Decisions are made within the timelines set by the World Trade Organization, but efforts are being made to resolve cases in the shortest possible time to provide timely relief to industry.
Dr. Jawwad Uwais Agha said that the Commission is not only addressing current issues but also researching future tariff trends. Training programs and seminars will also be organized to guide industrialists. He emphasized the need to focus on SMEs and cottage industry, as these sectors can play an important role in boosting exports, and the government is committed to export-led growth and value addition.
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