ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the immediate removal of the Export Development Surcharge on domestic exports.
These instructions were given during a review meeting held in Islamabad to discuss the recommendations put forward by the Sub-working Group tasked with enhancing domestic exports.
The Prime Minister also called for a comprehensive review of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, aiming for necessary reforms and an overall revamp of the organization.
Shehbaz Sharif further directed a third-party audit of the Export Development Fund over the last five years, ensuring compliance with international benchmarks.
He underscored the need for proper utilization of the fund to boost domestic exports, prioritize research and development initiatives, deliver skill training for workers in related sectors, and provide state-of-the-art facilities. He warned against any misuse or unwarranted expenditure from the fund.
Additionally, the Prime Minister instructed that a qualified individual from the private sector should be appointed as chairman to optimize resource management within the fund.
Reaffirming his commitment to advancing Pakistan’s global presence in export markets, Shehbaz Sharif stressed that facilitating industrial growth to enhance domestic exports remains a key priority of his government.
