PAKISTAN’S TRADE POLICIES, NON-TARIFF MEASURES AND CONCERNS OF STAKEHOLDERS

Abstract

Pakistan can increase its exports by 12 billion dollars till 2024 if integration with international market is improved, and strong linkages are developed among value chains (ITC, 2020). But this potential development is facing impediments due to transparency issues, imposition of non-tariff measures, ambiguous regulations at home and lack of information among both importers and exporters. This paper is dedicated to the discussion of Pakistan’s trade policies, tariff structure, rules governing non-tariff measures, and discussion about the concerns of business community and other stakeholders on NTMs. Application of NTMs in Pakistan, and their shortcomings are also discussed in detail. Then based on these discussions some recommendations are forwarded. Study shows that most of the hurdles faced by traders are home borne. If regulations are made easier at home and mutual recognition of standards is acquired with partner countries, then across the border trade can become much easier