Federal Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan guaranteed that the Century Paper industry as well as Bulleh Shah Packaging Ltd would receive government backing in overcoming various challenges posed by dumping and over-importation, which includes imports from China. This took place at the Ministry of Commerce with figures like Special Secretary Shakeel Ahmed, and Executive Director General Muhammad Ashraf, among others, and was focused on protecting the local paperboard industry.
According to Khan, the importation effects, which have increased through dumping practices from China and Indonesia, would best be combated using measures such as an anti-dumping duty to protect the domestic manufacturer. He also encouraged the exploration of other sources like bagasse, wheat straw, or biofuel to maximize local pulp in producing paper products.
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He intimated that overproducing countries do the same with their general protection of industries from free trade agreements and trade policies. This, according to Khan, is something Pakistan should also do. He also mentioned the need for innovation and self-reliance, which are essential for long-term competitiveness.
It is at a $450 million investment and is under severe threat of dumped imports for the local paperboard industry. Anti-dumping duties that were applied some years ago were avoided, and relief measures are caught up in court stays. The representatives from the industry pitched for short-term extensions of the temporary regulations and further safeguards.
Selected extended directive from Khan for officials to interface with NTC to sort out legal bottlenecks, with timely resolution of court stays emphasized. “Without timely action, the industry cannot survive. We’ll assist you, but you must also pursue legal solutions actively,” he affirmed.
The conference ended with assurances of on-going government support, with the Tariff Policy Board working out interim relief measures purported to help the industry. Last year’s news reports said that paper merchants and importers were gun-shy in committing to prices for paper products, owing to the depreciation of the rupee and the fluctuations in dollar-rupee parity.