A new initiative that will enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan to effectively engage in
international markets was launched today.
This UK-funded initiative will help enhance Pakistan’s
trade diversi
fication and integration into global value chains.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) will implement the Revenue mobilization, Investment and Trade Programme (REMIT) programme. The GBP 5 million project will run from 2020-2024.
These efforts are part of a larger UK-supported REMIT programme aimed at contributing to sustainable and inclusive economic development in the country.
The British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr Christian Turner said: “Monthly exports for goods and services (worth $3.2 billion) are at an impressive record high – with UK remaining one of the biggest export markets for Pakistan. The new programme will enable
trade reforms and create more opportunities for Pakistani businesses, especially the small and medium enterprises, to compete in
international markets. This also aligns well with my ambition to double the
trade between UK and Pakistan showing the best of #UKPakDosti.”
The Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, Ms Pamela Coke-Hamilton said:
“REMIT will focus on creating a conducive environment for small and medium-sized enterprises to engage in
trade. It can help diversify the economy and capture additional export opportunities for the country post Covid-19. ITC is committed to strengthening Pakistan’s approach to
trade and stimulating
international
trade competitiveness. This will make it easier for Pakistani businesses to
trade internationally and support job creation in export-oriented sectors.”
Federal Secretary Commerce, Mr Muhammad Sualeh Ahmad Faruqui said: “This project is a comprehensive and far-reaching project involving major public and private stakeholders in business and
international
trade in Pakistan. Through the project’s in
tervention areas spanning National Priority Sectors Export Strategy, building institutional capacity for
trade policy formulation and addressing
trade barriers, and finally through targeted
trade facilitation oriented reforms, the project will go a long way towards contributing to increased
trade and investment for the inclusive and sustainable economic development of Pakistan. I am pleased
to know that ReMIT has a gender response framework which informs all project activities.”
Through development of Pakistan’s National Priority Sector,s Export Strategy and capacity building of the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Trade Development Authority (TDAP), the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) and business associations and groups, the programme will support formulation and reform of
trade policies, including addressing some of the main barriers to
trade. These efforts will reflect public-private consensus. The project will also build business associations’ capacity for advocacy, including women entrepreneurs.
By supporting
trade and related activities, this project will contribute to the government of Pakistan’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).