Export package

This refers to the editorial, ‘Textile in trouble’ (October 21). Our overall export this year is showing a double-digit decline over and above the decline witnessed in FY2014-15. This is causing a huge trade gap because exports are covering only 55 percent of our total import bill.
The government needs to announce a grand export stimulus package. To defray the cost of export stimulus, the government should implement 10 percent raise in petrol prices. The government should also impose high, additional tariff on the imports of products that are locally produced to protect the local industry from cheap imports and make it competitive with the imported stuff. This will discourage imports and generate additional revenue from high tariff. Markets should also be explored for export of non-traditional items including halal food, fruit juices, confectionary, light machinery, automobiles, motorcycles and defence equipment.
Kulsoom Arif
Karachi