Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday emphasized the need to ensure a level-playing field for local producers during a meeting of the Steering Committee for the Implementation of the National Tariff Policy.
Highlighting the significance of sustained tariff reform as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s trade policy, the minister said the National Tariff Policy represents a five-year roadmap toward liberalizing trade, fostering export-led growth, and enhancing industrial competitiveness. He said the Steering Committee, constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, had the critical task of continuously monitoring implementation progress, state of forex reserves, and guiding the transition of domestic industry during the reform period.
The National Tariff Commission (NTC), operating under the Commerce Ministry, delivered a detailed presentation to the committee on its mandate, core functions, and recent performance. The NTC outlined its pivotal role in safeguarding domestic industry through rational tariff structuring and trade remedy actions against unfair trade practices, including dumping, subsidized imports, and harmful import surges.
The committee was further informed of the NTC’s ongoing efforts to bolster institutional capacity, including organizational reforms, targeted technical training, automation of internal processes, the proposed establishment of a dedicated facilitation center for exporters, and initiatives to enhance legal and analytical capabilities to strengthen service delivery.
Acknowledging the valuable contributions of the NTC, Aurangzeb urged it to maintain its focus on ensuring a level playing field for local producers. He extended his support for addressing resource challenges and emphasized the importance of reinforcing Pakistan’s anti-dumping framework.
However, he advised that rather than expanding in size, the NTC should strive to become a lean, responsive, and fit-for-purpose organization aligned with international best practices and compliant with the rules of the World Trade Organization.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve among participants to continue working in close coordination for the successful implementation of the National Tariff Policy, reinforcing Pakistan’s trade competitiveness and industrial development.
Apart from the finance minister, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance and other relevant ministries, divisions and organizations also attended the meeting.