LAHORE:
National Tariff Commission (NTC) Chairman Dr Jawwad Uwais Agha has 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 the local industry from unfair international competition.
He said that the commission had expanded its outreach, and instead of formal letters, industries would now be given quick relief through direct contact. He stressed that the domestic industry would be fully protected through anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures.
Agha was addressing a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). In his speech, LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol said that the National Tariff Commission was playing a key role in protecting the local industry, and the business community appreciated its efforts.
Saigol proposed a sector-wise approach, balanced duty structure, and zero duty on raw materials that were not available locally, so that production costs could be reduced and industries could become more competitive. He also expressed concern over free trade and preferential trade agreements (FTAs and PTAs), saying that in the past, the local industry suffered losses, so consultation with stakeholders in future agreements was essential.
The LCCI chief said that a comprehensive and balanced tariff system was necessary to promote the 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 Pakistan Customs Tariff (PCT) codes should be removed to prevent misuse pertaining to raw materials and finished goods.
NTC Chairman Uwais Agha said that the main objective of the commission was to promote fair competition in the country, “where neither local industry suffers unfair losses, nor anyone gets unnecessary advantage”. He underscored that if any country harmed Pakistani industry through dumping or subsidies, the commission would take immediate action to protect local manufacturers.
He added that the tariff commission was being rapidly digitalised to ensure quick processing of applications and avoid unnecessary delays for the business community. Decisions are made within the timelines set by the World Trade Organisation, but efforts are being made to resolve cases in the shortest possible timeframe to provide swift relief to the industry.
Agha said that the commission was not only addressing current issues but also researching future tariff trends. Training programmes and seminars will also be organised to guide industrialists.
He emphasised the need to focus on SMEs and the cottage industry, as these sectors could play an important role in boosting exports, adding that the government was committed to fostering export-led growth and value addition.
