ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s caretaker Federal Minister for Commerce Dr. Gohar Ejaz on Wednesday reiterated his support for the steel industry and ensured its growth for industrial growth in Pakistan.
He said that the way forward for the steel industry and other sectors in the country lies in relying on indigenous raw materials, which aligns with economic growth and the government’s broader vision of self-sufficiency.
He expressed the views during a meeting with a delegation from the steel industry led by the CEO of National Steel Zaigham Adil Rizvi. The purpose of the meeting was to address and resolve problems in the growth of the steel sector, a vital component of the industrial landscape in the country.
In the context of safeguarding local industry, the minister also discussed the possibility of tariffs on imported steel products. Dr. Gohar Ejaz told the delegation that he would help find them marketplace solutions for their problems.
Commerce Minister Stresses Sourcing Raw Materials
He stressed the importance of sourcing raw materials locally to decrease the financial burden on the national exchequer and promote self-reliance in the steel sector.
The minister emphasized the need for value addition in all sectors and highlighted plans to enhance the competitiveness of the country’s exports. He said that the government will make exports highly competitive and will focus on industries in which Pakistan has a comparative advantage.
Moreover, he pledged to explore new export markets to expedite growth within the steel industry.
The representatives of the steel industry underlined the importance of affordable energy for their operations. The minister responded positively, them of his close collaboration with the Minister for Energy to address their concerns effectively.
