The Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2009 in Pakistan: The Strategic Trade Policy Framework (2009-12) is being announced amid hopes that the
world economy may be easing out of a severe recession that has left global trade volumes
in a downward spiral. The global recession coupled with domestic problems such as
energy crises, high cost of capital and the war on terror compounded Pakistan's difficulties
on the economic front. Our Exports for the year 2008-09 decreased to US$ 17.8 billion, as
compared to US$ 19.1 billion during 2007-08, missing the target of $22 billion set in Trade
Policy 2008-09. In a long time perspective, Pakistan's global share has fallen from 0.20 in
1999 to 0.13 in 2008.
The issues like falling export competitiveness and lack of sophistication and
diversification of products and markets stem from structural weaknesses inherent in the
economy and must be addressed forthwith. This requires holistic, integrated and
consistent policies across the public and private sector. Responding to this need of having
a coherent national export competitiveness development programme, we have developed
the Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2009-12 (STPF) after extensive consultations and
research work, to provide the direction for policy and support interventions by the
government, industry, civil society and donors in a coordinated, efficient manner, to help
Pakistan achieve sustainable high economic growth through exports. Set in a three year
framework, STPF would also ensure continuity of policies.
The STPF comprises six pillars: (i) Supportive Macro policies and services (ii)Enhancing
product sophistication level in Pakistan's exports (iii) Enhancing firm level
competitiveness (iv) Domestic Commerce reform and development (v) Product and
Market Diversification (vi) Making trade work for the sustainable development in
Pakistan.
In order to effectively implement different short term and long term trade policy measures,
STPF envisions comprehensive and effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation
mechanisms, with the Ministry of Commerce assuming a lead role in coordinating
activities across different stakeholders. I strongly hope that the Strategic Trade Policy
Framework 2009-12 would go a long way in making exports the engine of sustained,
equitable economic growth in Pakistan by successfully initiating the much needed
structural transformation of Pakistan's exports.
Suleman
Tags: 2009, framework, Pakistan, policy, Strategic, trade