By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: The current suspension of food exports and imports following the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) crackdown on the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) has drawn strong concerns from the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
Executive Committee Member Waqas Aslam has urged the government to resolve the issue promptly to prevent long-term damage to the country’s trade and economy.
Waqas highlighted the immense losses businesses are facing due to the halt in the issuance of phytosanitary certificates, which are essential for the movement of food consignments.
“Pakistan’s rice sector, which has added significantly to our $4 billion export target, is being unfairly punished due to inefficiencies within a government department. While accountability is necessary, paralyzing the entire export chain is not the solution,” he said.
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Waqas emphasized the global reputation of Pakistan’s exporters, especially in the rice and food sectors.
“The interception of a single consignment should not result in such draconian measures. This not only impacts our trade credibility but also jeopardizes our relations with key markets like the European Union, Indonesia, and beyond,” he noted.
The LCCI EC Member also expressed concerns over the plight of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) impacted by the crisis. “SMEs form the backbone of our economy, and such abrupt actions push them into financial turmoil. A balanced approach must be adopted to ensure strict compliance without disrupting trade operations,” he said.
Waqas appreciated the government’s initiative to investigate the matter but called for parallel mechanisms to allow export activities to continue. “The authorities must implement a contingency plan to facilitate exporters and ensure the resumption of certificate issuance. Otherwise, the impact on Pakistan’s economy could be catastrophic, especially during a time when every dollar of export revenue counts,” he remarked.
The LCCI EC Member also urged relevant ministries to engage with stakeholders like the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) and the Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables Exporters, Importers, and Merchants Association (PFVA) to devise a swift resolution. “Collaboration between the government and exporters is the only way forward to protect Pakistan’s trade interests while ensuring compliance with international standards,” he concluded.
The business community now looks to the government for immediate intervention to restore trade operations, with exporters hoping for a resolution early this week.
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