Islamabad: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan convened a consultative meeting with representatives of Pakistan’s leather industry to address export performance, taxation pressures, and market access issues impacting the sector. The meeting aimed to identify reform proposals to boost industrial growth and export potential.

According to Press Information Department, industry representatives pointed out structural constraints such as high production costs, fragmented compliance requirements, and high taxation rates, despite Pakistan’s established manufacturing expertise and export capability in leather goods. They expressed concerns over the burden of multiple inspections, approvals, certifications, and taxation by various authorities, advocating for a simplified compliance framework and a unified taxation channel.

The discussion highlighted the rising cost of doing business, with stakeholders citing challenges in import financing and high duties on raw materials as factors detrimental to export competitiveness. Industry representatives presented budget proposals including tariff rationalization and tax relief measures for export-oriented units.

Participants emphasized the need for facilitating exporters through affordable inputs, financing, and improved regulatory efficiency. The leather industry sees growth opportunities through expanding the value chain and enhancing market access. Minister Jam Kamal Khan acknowledged the issues raised and stressed the importance of long-term reforms in taxation, market access, and industrial productivity to boost export competitiveness. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing public-private collaboration to overcome sectoral challenges and enhance the leather industry’s export capacity.