ISLAMABAD, Sep 6 (APP):Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar Wednesday here directed that a national industrial policy should be formulated as soon as possible to spur economic growth and increase industrial production.
He issued the directive during a briefing on the performance and targets of Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Industries and Production.
He asked the relevant officers to increase the contribution of industries in the gross domestic product of Pakistan
from the present 12 percent to optimum capacity through formulation of an effective strategy.
He said Pakistan should be made a hub of trade, transportation and transhipment by taking advantage of its unique geographical location.
He instructed that a training programme should be held for the business community and the logistics companies to make them aware about the international road transport system.
The PM said the process of privatization of the loss making state owned enterprises should be speeded up. He was told about the performance of the officers posted abroad for enhancing trade and investment of Pakistan.
It was told that economic partnership with the Central Asian states would be part of the strategy to increase exports.
Consultations were continuing with the stakeholders for the establishment of Land Port Authority.
The meeting was also told about the different aspects of the recently approved policy for local manufacturing of mobile handsets. It was told that in the next two years, four million handsets would be locally manufactured which would reduce the import bill and increase exports. He was also informed about the steps to streamline the exports of gemstone products.
The PM said a training programme about use of modern technology should be arranged for upgrading skills of local craftsmen in order to increase their capacity for gemstone exports. In this sector, two billion dollars of exports were expected in the next two years.
He also stressed for electronic warehousing for promotion of e-commerce in the country.
Minister for Commerce Gohar Ejaz, Minister for Finance Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Advisor to PM Ahad Cheema, Governor State Bank and high ranking officers attended the meeting.
