Zain Mahmood, Chairman of the All Pakistan Solvent Extractors Association (APSEA), met with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan to discuss essential tariff reforms aimed at enhancing local oilseed production. The conversation focused on revising import tariffs for soybean and canola as a means to support domestic agriculture.

Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Mr. Rana Ihsaan Afzal, and Secretary Commerce, Mr. Jawad Paul, also attended the meeting. Mr. Mahmood highlighted the necessity of adjusting tariff structures to benefit local farmers and reduce import dependency. He suggested that such changes could foster increased cultivation and processing of oilseeds in Pakistan.

Proposals were made to augment the production of sunflower, soybean, and canola, aiming to decrease the national import bill and bolster industrial productivity. Minister Jam Kamal Khan pledged the government’s full support, affirming the Ministry of Commerce’s dedication to fostering policies that strengthen local agricultural and industrial sectors.

The session underscored the ongoing collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders to craft trade policies aligned with national economic objectives.