Stakeholders want say in trade pact with Turkiye.

KARACHI -- The Employers' Federation of Pakistan (EFP) has asked the government to take private sector in confidence before signing a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Turkiye.

'Without any deliberation from the private sector, the agreement is bound to create uncertainty for Pakistan's industries and economic outlook. The country can no longer afford to have trade agreements that would prove unfavourable for local industries and result in a sharp rise in the country's import bill,' the federation said in a statement on Monday.

Expressing concerns about Pakistan's expected PTA to be signed with Turkiye on Aug 12, EFP Chairman Ismail Suttur said Islamabad has agreed to give duty exemptions to Ankara on almost 220 products, whereas around 120 Pakistani products will get duty waivers. The Ministry of Commerce has failed to reach out to the private sector for consultations on the PTA, he added.

'Without consultations with the private sector...