Government of Pakistan
National Tariff Commission
*****

Islamabad Oct 22, 2020

PRESS RELEASE

Subject: -         Seminar on Bi-lateral Safeguards Under China - Pak FTA and Trade Remedial Measures

 

The National Tariff Commission (the “Commission) conducted a seminar at Pearl Continental Hotel, Peshawar on October 22, 2020 on the above subject. The seminar was aimed to create awareness about the Bi-lateral Safeguards under second phase of China –Pak Free Trade Agreements (CPFTA). The members of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI), All Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association (APCEA) and the other Trade Associations attended the seminar.

 

  1. Mrs. Anjum Assad Amin, Member NTC steered the seminar to highlight the following:

 

(i) Bilateral safeguards under second phase of China –Pak FTA,

(ii) Unfair Trade Practices and Trade Remedy Laws, under Safeguard Measures Act, 2002

The role of NTC in implementation of Safeguards provisions,

(iv) Monitoring of imports to Pakistan from China by NTC and the future steps.

(v) Preparation of administrative rules to effectively implement safeguard measures under CPFTA-Phase-II.

 

  1. The audiences were informed about the impact, details and operational modalities of the Safeguard measures under the CPFTA Phase II, which aim to provide a level playing field to the domestic industry against the unforeseen and damaging surge in imports from China. Furthermore, for the purposes of export enhancement to China under the CPFTA-Phase-II, the deeper and enhanced concessions secured under the FTA were highlighted.

 

  1. Participants appreciated these efforts of disseminating information about a crucial matter. The presentation was followed by the question/answer session and interactive discussion on issues related to, inter alia, harmful implications of excessive burden import duties particularly due to regulatory duties and additional customs duties for prospective investment and exports, market imperfections, reciprocal remedy measures applied on Pakistan’s exports and impact of inflation / price hike in industrial costs.