12th PAMA PAAPAM Joint meeting

At PAMA FTC – Feb 16, 2012

Agenda Point 1: Import of Used Cars:

DG PAMA: PAAPAM to make a presentation on some proposal like scheme for overseas
Pakistanis regarding subsidy on new car purchase if they purchase in foreign currency.

Amir Allawala: South Korea puts 200% duty on imported cars.

Agenda Point 2: Para Tariff for Trade with India:

DG PAMA: Mr. Bilal Khan wants to meet regarding our point of view on MFN status to India.

Jamil Sb: We have previous experience with Bilal Khan. He does not write as we tell him.

DG PAMA: As per policy we want to carry on relations with SBP so we will meet him.

Shirani Sb: The MFN status with India and trade agreements in this regards should not be like
the Water issue between Pakistan and India where the Indus Water Commissioner has run away
and we are bound by agreement. Same is the case here the government will go sooner or later
and we will be under agreements signed by them.

Ashraf Sb: we are dealing with a non supportive government. We have to confront them. We
will have to shut down our companies for some time and tell them that we are aggrieved.

Jamil Sb: (Referring to the letter from Farooq Sb of EDB) AIDC is ineffective. Decisions are
not made in AIDC now.

Ashraf Sb: AIDC is ineffective. We will not attend any more meetings of AIDC.

Jamil Sb: Are we in a position to fight with the ministry?

Shariq Sb: Budget is going to be announced. We should be careful in dealing with the
government.

Pervaiz Ghiyas Sb: We have to go to Islamabad and camp there. This is the only way to get our
voice heard.

Allawala Sb: We have 3 options:

1. Go and sit in Islamabad till our voice is heard and ministry gives us time.
2. We can start a media campaign against government.
 3. We can consider shutting down. But this option may be difficult for many of us.

Jamil Sb: No use shutting down factories. We have in fornt of us the example of Textile
industry. They shut down but to no avail.

DG PAMA: A joint response in to the letter of EDB regarding tariff rationalization be prepared
and sent to EDB as a first step.

Jamil Sb: The response should contain the following points:

1. The letter from EDB says something about matching grant. We did not ask for any
matching grant.
2. Why not AIDC proposal of tariff rationalization is being accepted.
3. There is too short time left in budget. No new proposal can be deliberated upon in this
short time.

Agenda Point 3: Budget Proposal 2012-13:

DG PAMA: Proposals to be made and submitted on priority basis now.