ISLAMABAD: Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan convened pivotal meeting with Fruit Juice Council at Ministry of Commerce.

Council, represented by industry leaders, provided an extensive briefing to Minister, highlighting pressing concerns regarding increased tariff rates, including Federal Excise Duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST), according to press release issued here.

During session, council expressed alarm over significant 40 percent decline in juice sales attributed to recent tax hikes. Minister underscored importance of focusing on and boosting exports. He emphasised government’s willingness to provide incentives, but comprehensive proposal aimed at enhancing exports. He cited Prime Minister’s initiative to combat smuggling through dedicated committee, move expected to bolster local industries and generate employment opportunities. Moreover, Jam Kamal stressed imperative of collaboration with provincial authorities and district administrations to crack down on fake and unregistered food products.

Such measures, he argued, would safeguard registered industries and uphold quality standards. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to facilitating exports, highlighting its readiness to support local industries in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.

Meeting was attended by Additional Secretary Syed Hamid Ali and representatives from leading companies including Nestle, Shezan, TetraPak, PepsiCo, Haleeb Foods and Popular Group. Meanwhile, Kamal stressed need for Pakistan and Belarus to elevate their bilateral trade relations to fully exploit their potential.

Pakistan has been exporting diverse range of goods to Belarus, including medicaments, optical/medical apparatus, rice, leather articles, textiles, cutlery, footwear, sports requisites, cotton garments, salt and mangoes, said press release issued here. However, Pakistan’s imports from Belarus consist of agriculture tractors, fertilizer, wood pulp and motor vehicles.

Talking to Belarus envoy Andrei Metelista he urged exploration of new avenues and potential to capitalise on this opportunity, proposing that Belarus upgrade its tractors to meet Pakistan’s agricultural requirements. Ambassador Andrei Metelitsa emphasised Belarus’s expertise in manufacturing harvesters and electric vehicle transports, suggesting deeper cooperation between two countries in these sectors.