While lauding the government for announcing an export package worth Rs 180 billion, the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders has demanded to double the size of the package.
The export package is laudable but the allocation should be increased to Rs 360 billion as the existing package has partly supported the exporters, said Patron Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders Shahid Rasheed Butt.
He said that recent terror incidents across the country have dented the confidence of the investors, therefore, the militants should be dealt with an iron hand.
Exports continue to fall hurting the confidence of investors, hitting forex reserves and renewing fears of losing export markets, he added.
Shahid Rasheed Butt said that exports are stagnant since last few years and the current export target is unachievable in the current set of circumstances. He feared that imports would continue to grow, leaving the country with little options to seek another IMF programme.
He noted that pushing exports to US 50 billion in not difficult only if some steps are taken in the right direction for which, a political will is needed.
The business leader said that many countries are facing the energy crisis, therefore, our authorities should stop blaming the energy crisis for everything.
The present dismal situation can be changed by ending ad-hocism, promoting SME sector which covers ninety-six per cent of the businesses, establishing export and import bank, appointment of professionals on key posts, and taking some harsh and unpopular decisions.
