The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce held a session on Thursday, where they strongly condemned the Ministry of Commerce’s key figures for their failure to act and lack of preparedness in the opening of the Badini crossing point with Afghanistan. The committee members expressed their disappointment and raised concerns over the delay in facilitating barter trade with Iran through this important point of entry.
During the session, committee chairperson highlighted the significance of the Badini crossing point in boosting trade activities with neighboring countries and emphasized the need for swift action to capitalize on its potential. The officials from the Commerce Ministry were questioned about their strategy and timeline for opening the point, but their responses were deemed unsatisfactory by the committee members, who demanded concrete steps to expedite the process.
The committee also pointed out the economic benefits that could be derived from the timely opening of the Badini crossing point, especially in enhancing bilateral trade with Afghanistan and Iran. They underscored the need for better coordination between relevant departments to ensure a smooth and efficient operation once the point is operational, stressing the importance of maximizing the benefits for the country’s economy.
In addition to criticizing the lack of progress on the Badini crossing point, the committee expressed concerns over the overall sluggish approach of the Commerce Ministry in addressing key trade issues and promoting exports. They called for a comprehensive review of the Ministry’s policies and performance to identify areas of improvement and enhance the competitiveness of Pakistan’s trade sector amidst global challenges.
Furthermore, the committee emphasized the importance of proactive engagement with stakeholders, including traders, industry representatives, and government agencies, to gather input and feedback on trade policies and initiatives. They urged the Ministry of Commerce to adopt a more inclusive approach in decision-making processes and consult relevant parties to ensure effective implementation of trade-related measures.
Moving forward, the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce announced its intention to closely monitor the progress on the opening of the Badini crossing point and hold the Ministry officials accountable for any further delays or shortcomings. They reiterated their commitment to promoting trade facilitation and enhancing economic cooperation with neighboring countries to drive sustainable growth and prosperity for Pakistan’s economy.
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