The National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce has raised strong concerns over widening trade imbalances between Pakistan and China. Members stressed the urgent need for reforms to boost exports and reduce reliance on raw material exports.
The meeting, chaired by Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, was held at Parliament House. The committee discussed key trade agendas, including free trade agreements, export facilitation, Pakistan-China ties, and licensing for district chambers.
Officials from the Ministry of Commerce informed the committee that imports from China stood at $20.8 billion in 2020–21, while exports were only $3.1 billion. Latest figures show imports of $17 billion against just $2.7 billion in exports, highlighting persistent deficits. Members expressed frustration over widening trade gaps and urged the government to promote value-added production in textiles, minerals, and meat, a sector with an export potential of $5 billion.
The ministry also shared updates on Free Trade Agreement Phase III with China. Fifteen SPS and TBT protocols have been signed, and concessions on 700 items are being considered. Plans for a Green Channel at Khunjerab are also under review to streamline trade. Committee members, however, stressed greater accountability of trade officials abroad and called for increased promotion of Pakistani products on global platforms.
The session also reviewed other trade agreements. Under the Malaysia–Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement, growth was noted in seafood, maize, and textiles. Concerns were raised, however, that future floods may harm agricultural trade. On the Pakistan–Sri Lanka FTA, members acknowledged concessions on over 80 percent of tariff lines but noted limited progress under SAFTA due to reliance on sensitive lists.
The committee further addressed domestic issues, including affirming the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) as the premier chamber. It also reviewed licensing challenges faced by the North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI).
Members emphasized that structural flaws, weak institutional support, and outdated trade agreements remain major hurdles. They reaffirmed that tackling these issues is essential to prevent losses over widening trade imbalances and to secure Pakistan’s long-term economic stability.
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