ISLAMABAD (PEN) : During a recent meeting chaired by Senator Anusha Rahman, the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce discussed several significant updates:
The Commerce Ministry finalized protocols for exporting donkey skins and potentially donkey meat to China. They also completed export protocols for onions, potatoes, and chillies to the same destination.
The Transit Trade Agreement with Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, was confirmed, aiming to enhance trade activities and facilitate Pakistani exports.
The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) reported a substantial debt increase to Rs281 billion since 2008, with daily interest accumulating at Rs160 million. The committee stressed the urgent need to address these debts owed by provincial departments and ministries.
State Life Insurance Corporation (SLIC) highlighted its profitability and increased public trust. SLIC is actively working with provincial governments to implement the Sehat Card initiative, which aims to improve healthcare access and performance of hospitals nationwide.
Overall, the committee’s discussions centered on trade protocols, debt management challenges, and the performance of state-owned enterprises, emphasizing the need for effective governance and sustainable financial practices.