Pakistan's top trade official met with angry business leaders who complained about crushing costs that hurt their companies. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan welcomed representatives from textile mills and carpet makers at the Commerce Ministry building in Islamabad. The industry bosses brought serious complaints about expensive energy bills and heavy taxes that make it hard to compete with other countries. Khan promised government help and told the groups that officials are working on policies to fix their problems. He also mentioned ongoing talks with American officials about trade deals that could help Pakistani companies sell more products.
Textile factory owners told Khan that electricity and gas costs way more in Pakistan than in neighboring countries. The business leaders stressed that textile exports bring huge amounts of money into Pakistan and create millions of jobs across the country. America buys most of Pakistan's clothing and fabric products. Khan assured the textile bosses that his ministry fully supports their industry and wants to help them succeed. He expressed hope that current negotiations with Washington would lead to better trading terms for Pakistani textile companies.
Carpet manufacturers warned Khan that government taxes on raw materials are killing their businesses and hurting export sales. The carpet makers said heavy taxation prevents them from growing their companies and selling more products overseas. Khan promised to work with other government departments to address the concerns raised by both industry groups. He assured all the business representatives that creating a business-friendly environment remains the government's main goal.
Textile factory owners told Khan that electricity and gas costs way more in Pakistan than in neighboring countries. The business leaders stressed that textile exports bring huge amounts of money into Pakistan and create millions of jobs across the country. America buys most of Pakistan's clothing and fabric products. Khan assured the textile bosses that his ministry fully supports their industry and wants to help them succeed. He expressed hope that current negotiations with Washington would lead to better trading terms for Pakistani textile companies.
Carpet manufacturers warned Khan that government taxes on raw materials are killing their businesses and hurting export sales. The carpet makers said heavy taxation prevents them from growing their companies and selling more products overseas. Khan promised to work with other government departments to address the concerns raised by both industry groups. He assured all the business representatives that creating a business-friendly environment remains the government's main goal.
